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DISEASES OF THE HORSE 

AND 

How To Treat Them 



A Concise Manual of Special Pathology 

FOR THE USE OF 

Horsemen, Farmers, Stock-Raisers, and Students 

in Agricultural Colleges in the 

United States. 

BY 

Robert Chawner and J, H. Walsh, F.R.C.S, 



With an Introduction by Henry T. Coates 



NEW AND REVISED EDITION 



Philadelphia: 

The John C. Winston Company 

1905. 



LIBRARY of CONGRESS 
Two Copies Received 

FEB 19 1906 
cuss (X^'xt^Lno. 



-.T 



r \ 



Copyright by Henry T. Coates, 1880 and 1882 



Revised Edition, 
Copyright by The John C. Winston Co., 1905. 



INTRODUCTION. 



When, in 1856, "TLeJilaniml of British Sports by 'Stone- 
henge' '' was published, the reading community recognized the 
appearance of a master mind, — th e authority on the many sub- 
jects of rural life, handled with consummate ability in its 
closely-printed, double-column pages. Whatever subject 
"Stonehenge" touchejd upon he adorned. His charming style, 
thorough knowledge of -his subject, evident enjoyment of his 
work and his entire sympathy with that outdoor life whicii 
has made England the beau ideal home of the country gentle- 
man the world over. So great was the success of the work that 
sixteen editions, thoroughly revised and brought up to date, 
were issued in the next thirty years, when the thirty vol- 
umes of the Badminton Library took its place, a monument 
to the interest Stonehenge's work had created. 

In no portion of the work was the author's genial erudition 
more appai'ent than in the portions dealing with the breeding 
and care of horses, and when, five years later, his "Horse in 
the Stable and the Field ; His Management in Health and Dis- 
ease" appeared, its success was instant and complete. In his 
modest Preface the author sa3^s: "We believe it may be as- 
serted without fear of contradiction that no book has yet 
been published in the English or any other language which 
even professes to give a complete description of the Natural 
History, Physiology, Pathology, and General Management of 
the Horse in a form and style suited to the country gentle- 
man of the nineteenth century. It is true that some of these 
departments are adequately described in separate works ; but 
they are generally written in technical language, suited rather 

5 



6 INTRODUCTION. 

to the veterinary student than for the use and comprehension 
of the ordinary reader. . . . For these reasons the author 
of this work has thought that a book, combining all the above 
subjects, treated in a practical manner, and a style popularly 
intelligible, j-et containing the most recent views of eminent 
authorities in veterinary knowledge, w^ould supply a deficiency 
which has long been complained of by all who are interested 
in the proper management of the horse." 

The success of this work was as great as its predecessor, and 
though many years have elapsed since then and many works 
on the same subject have appeared on both sides of the ocean, 
it has never been superseded. The reason of its success and 
endurance is that the author was peculiarly fitted for his work. 
In the Dictionary of National Biography, Vol. LIX, his biog- 
raphy is thus given : 

Walsh, John Henry (1810-1888), writer on sport under 
the pseudonym of Stonehenge, son of Benjamin Walsh, was 
born at Hackney, London, on October 21, 1810, and edu- 
cated at a private school. In 1832 he passed as a member of 
the Royal College of Surgeons, and became a fellow of the 
college by examination in 1844. For some time he was sur- 
geon to the Ophthalmic Institution, and lectured on surgery 
and descriptive anatomy at the Aldersgate School of Medi- 
cine. For several years he was in practice at Worcester, but 
left that city for London in 1852. He always had an intense 
love of sport, he rode well to hounds, kept greyhounds, and 
entered them at coursing meetings, broke his own pointers 
and setters, and, what is less common, also trained hawks. 
In the management of dogs he became an especial adept, and 
few veterinary practitioners could compare with him in the 
treatment of dogs' diseases. He was also fond of shooting, 
and, owing to the bursting of his gun, lost a portion of his 
left hand. In 1853, under the pseudonym of ^SStonehenge," 
he brought out his work on "The Greyhound, on the Art of 
Breeding, Rearing, and Training Greyhounds for Public 



INTRODUCTION. 7 

Running, their Diseases and Treatment" (3d ed. 1875). 
This treatise was based on articles he had written in "Sell's 
Life," and it remains the standard text-book on the subject. 
Three years later, in 1856, appeared "Manual of British 
Eural Sports," which treats of the whole cycle of sports, 
and, among other things, deals with the breeding of horses in 
a scientific manner. Sixteen editions of this work were pub- 
lished up to 1886, in the later editions articles on special 
subjects being furnished by other writers. In 1856 he orig- 
inated the "Coursing Calendar," and conducted it through fifty 
half-yearly volumes. About 1856 he became connected with 
the "Field," and at the end of 1857 accepted the editorship. 
He brought out "The Shot Gun and Sporting Rifle, and the 
Dogs, Ponies, Ferrets, etc., used with them in Shooting and 
Trapping," in 1859; "The Dog in Health and Disease," 1859 
(4th ed. 1887) ; "The Horse in the Stable and in the Field," 
in 1861 (13th ed. 1890) ; and "The Dogs of the British 
Islands," in 1867 (3d ed. 1886). In the two books last men- 
tioned he had also the assistance of other writers. In 1882-4 
the "Modem Sportsman's Gun and Rifle" appeared. Vol. I 
l)eing devoted to shot guns, while Vol. II treated of rifles. 
His activity in conducting the "Field," with the aid of many 
able coadjutors, was remarkable. He soon instituted the first 
"Field" trial of guns and rifles, which was carried out in 
April, 1858, in the Ashburnham grounds at Chelsea, adjacent 
to the famous Cremoine Gardens. This trial wound up the 
controversy as to the merits of breech-loaders and muzzle-load- 
ers, but before the final decisions two other trials were made, 
one at the old Hornsey Wood Tavern in July, 1859, and the 
third at the Lillie Arms, Broughton, in 1866. 

"He was a good chess player, and on the managing commit- 
tees of several clubs. He died at 43 Montserrat Road, Put- 
ney, Surrey, on February 12, 1888, and was buried in the old 
cemetery at Putney Common. He married, first, in August, 
1833, Margaret, daughter of Thomas Stevenson, of Claines, 



8 INTRODUCTION. 

Worcestershire, who died nine months later; secondly, in 1835, 
Susan Emily, daughter of Dr. Maiden, of Worcester, who died 
eight months later, and, thirdly, in 1852, Susan, eldest daugh- 
ter of the Eev. William Parker, who survived her husband. 
He left two daughters." 

In conclusion, the writer desires to pay a personal tribute 
to the memory of one whom he has never seen or known, 
save in his writings, for an unexpected and kindly act of 
courtesy at a time and under circumstances which made it 
especially grateful to the recipient, and which none but a 
noble-minded gentleman would have done. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

THE DISEASES AND INJURIES OF BONE. 

PAGE 

General Remarks — Splints — Ringbone and Sidebone — Ossifica- 
tion of the Lateral Cartilages — Bone Spavin — Exostosis of 
the Humerus and Scapula, or Shoulder-Joint Lameness — Fis- 
tula of the Withers, or Thiselo — Poll Evil — Caries of the 
Jaw — Osteo Sarcoma, or Big Head — Fractures 13 

CHAPTER II. 



INJURY AND DISEASES OF THE JOINTS, MUSCLES, AND TENDONS. 

Diseases of Muscle, Tendon, and Ligament — Of Cartilage and 
Synovial Membrane — Inflamed Tendinous Sheaths — Inflamed 
Bursre Mucosjp — Strains — Those of the Back and Loins — 
Of the Shoulder— Of the Knee— Of the Fetlock— Of the Cof- 
fin Joint — Of the Suspensory Ligaments — Of the Back- 
Sinews — Breaking Down — Strains of the Hip- Joint, Stifle, 
and Hock — Curb — Dislocation — Wounds of Joints 27 



CHAPTER III. 

DISEASES OF THE THORACIC ORGANS AND THEIR APPENDAGES. 

General Remarks — Catarrh, or Cold — Influenza, or Distemper — 
Bronchitis — Chronic Cough — Laryngitis, Roaring. Whistling, 
etc.— Pneumonia and Congestion of the Lungs — Pleurisy — 
Pleurodynia — Phthisis — Broken Wind — Thick Wind — Spasm 
of the Diaphragm — Diseases of the Heart — Diseases of the 

Blood Vessels in the Chest and Nose 42 

9 



10 , CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

CHAPTER IV. 

DISEASES OF THE ABDOMINAL VISCERA AND THEIR APPENDAGES. 

General Remarks — Diseases of the Mouth and Throat — Gas- 
tritis — Stomach Staggers — Dyspepsia — Bots — Inflammation 
of the Bowels — Colic — Diarrhoea and Dysentary — Strangula- 
tion and Rupture — Calculi in the Bowels — Worms — Disease 
of the Liver— Of the Kidneys— Of the Bladder— Of the 
Organs of Generation 66 

CHAPTER V. 

DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 

Phrenitis, or Mad Staggers — Epilepsy and Convulsions — Meg- 
rims — Rabies, Hydrophobia, or ^Madness — Tetanus, or Lock- 
jaw — Apoplexy and Paralysis — String Halt — Coup de Solcil, 
or Sun-stroke 91 

CHAPTER VI. 

DISEASES AND INJURIES OF CERTAIN SPECIAL ORGANS. 

Diseases of the Ear — Inflammation of the Eye — Cataract — 
Amaurosis — Buck-eye — Surfeit — Hidebound — Mange — Lice — 
Mallenders and Sallenders — Warbles, Sitfasts, and Harness- 
Galls — Grubs — Bites and Stings of Insects — Swelled Legs — 
Chapped Heel — Grease, or Scratches — Warts — Corns — Sand- 
crack — False Quarter — Quittor — Thrush — Canker — Laminitis 
— Seedy Toe — Contraction of the Foot — Navicular Disease — 
Accidents to the Legs and Feet 99 

CHAPTER VII. 

CONSTITUTIONAL DISEASES. 

Fevers — Anasarca — Glanders — Farcy 133 

CHAPTER VIIL 

SHOEING. 

Shoeing ' 137 



CONTENTS. 11 

PACE 

CHAPTER IX. 

OPERATIONS. 

Administration of Chloroform — Methods of Confining the Horse 
— Bleeding — Firing — Setons and Rowels — Blistering — Cas- 
tration — Docking and Nicking — Unnerving — Reduction of 
Hernia — Administration of Physic — Clysters — Back-Raking. 147 

CHAPTER X. 

THE PRINCIPAL MEDICINES, AND THE DOSES IN WHICH THEY CAN 
SAFELY BE ADMINISTERED. 

Alteratives — Anaesthetics — Anodynes — Antacids — Anthelmint- 
ics — Aperients^ — Astringents — Blisters — Caustics — Charges — 
Clysters — Cordials — Demulcents — Diaphoretics — Digestives 
— Diuretics — Embrocations — Emulsions — Expectorants — 
Febrifuges — Lotions — Narcotics — Refrigerants — Sedatives — 
Stimulants — Stomachics — Styptics — Tonics — Vermifuges, or 
Worm Medicines 1G3 

CHAPTER XI. 

On Soundness, and on the Purchase and Sale of Horses. . . . 179 



THE 

DISEASES OF THE HOUSE, 



THE ACCIDENTS TO WHICH HE IS LIABLE 
WITH THEIR TREATMENT. 



CHAPTER L 

THE DISEASES AND INJURIES OF BONE. 

General Remarks — Splints — Ringbone and Sidebone — Ossificatior. 
of the Lateral Cartilages — Bone Spavin — Exostosis of the Hu- 
merus and Scapula — Fistula of the Withers — Poll Evil — Caries 
of the Jaw — Osteo Sarcoma — Fractures. 

GENERAL REMARKS. 

The diseases of bone are not commonly attended by any con- 
stitutional disturbance, and neither require an examination of 
general symptoms, nor the adoption of any but local treatment, 
beyond that attention to the health which is always necessary. 
Q'hey mny all be included under the heads of, — 1st. Exostosis, or 
increased growth of bone. 2d. Caries, or ulceration. 3d Anchy- 
losis, or unnatural union of two bones, in consequence of exostosis, 
or caries, or both. 4th, Fractures, or disunion by external force. 
Malignant diseases of the bone also occur very rarely in the horse, 
80 that it will be scarcely necessary to occupy any space with their 
description, especially as they are perfectly incurable. 

Exostosis is the result of increased action in the nutrition of 
the part, and is much more prevalent in young horses than in old 
Indeed, after six or seven years oi' age it is very rarely met with, 
and never attacks the bones at that age for the first time. It njay 
be recognised by a hard swelling of the part, which in recent cases 
is painful on pressure ; but sometimes its site cannot be reachfd 
with the finger, and the disease can then only be dete^»..I by its 
effects. A blow upon any of the bones, when unprotected by any 
thin<.' but skin, will produce inflammation followed by exostosis; 

(13) 



14 THE HORSE. 

but tlie most ordinary cause is the over-stimulus of hard work 
Heavy liorses are more prone to exostosis than light ones, partly 
from the weight of their bodies and their high lumberino; action 
jarring their limbs in a greater degree, but also from the moro 
Bpongy and open texture of their bones, which admit of the pres- 
sure of large blood-vessels within them, and are thus more liable 
to congestion, and consequent morbid secretion. Exostosis is shown 
in the form of splints, ring and sidebone, and ossified lateral car- 
tilages, as well as in the growths which occur occasionally in other 
parts of the body which have received no distinguishing name 
The vitality of the new growth in exostosis is less than that of 
healthy bone, and as a consequence, when excessive inflammation is 
set up in the part, it will often die and be separated by absorption. 

Caries (ulceration) occurs as a consequence of inflammation, and 
in the horse either results from external injury, as in poll evil and 
fistulous withers, or from mismanagement, as in navicular disease, 
which latter aff'ection will be considered under the diseases of the 
foot. It is always attended with pain, and in severe cases with the 
formation of sufficient matter to require an outlet, but in very re- 
stricted ulcerations, such as occur in navicular disease, the pus 
passes into the joint, and is reabsorbed with the synovia. 

Anchylosis, when it is the result of caries in the two adjacent 
surfaces of a joint, produces union between them, but in the horse 
it is generally of a secondary kind, the result of bony growths 
(exostosis), thrown out from the surfaces of the two bones near 
the joint, which coalescing, unite into one mass, and thus destroy 
all motion. 

SPLINTS. 

The strict definition of this disease is " an exostosis from 
the lower part of the small metacarpal bone, connecting it by bony 
union with the large metacarpal bone," but among horsemen, any 
bony^ growth from the cannon bone is considered a splint, and the 
hitter is almost as common as the former. The regular splint rarely 
attacks the ouJer small metacarpal bene alone, but sometimes in 
very bad cases both are implicated in the disease. It is difficult 
fco give a valid reason for this greater frequency of splint on tho 
inside than on the out, but it is commonly said that the inner 
splint bone receives more of the weight of the body than the outer 
one, and that it is more under the centre of gravity, but as it is 
merely suspended from the carpus, and is not supported from below 
(in any way, mediately or directly), this can produce no injurious 
efi'ect upon it. The fact is so, however, whatever may be the cause. 

The sijmptoms of splint are generally a greater or less degree of 
lameness during its formation, but sometimes it may go on to attain 
II large sizo without any such result, especially if its growth is slow. 



SPLINTS. 15 

af?<l the liorse is not severely worked. It is commonly remarked 
that a ?])lint is of no consequence unless its situation is such as to 
interfere with the back sinews, or suspensory ligament, and although 
it is quite true, as has been asserted by learned veterinarians, that 
the splint is tar removed from the former, and seldom interferes 
with the latter, yet it is almost always directly connected with the 
attachments of the sheath of the tendon, and this being stretched 
overy time the leg is extended will occasion the pain which is ex- 
pressed by the limp in the action. The size of the morbid growth 
has no relation with the amount, or even with the existence of 
lameness, for a very small splint will often be far more productive 
of this symptom than a very large one. In examining a leg it is 
often only after careful manipulation in the flexed condition that 
a small bony tumor (of the size perhaps only of a garden pea) can 
be detected, but when once the fiuger presses upon it, the horse 
will almost invariably be found to flinch, and usually it will be 
thrown out just where the sheath of the tendon is attached. Here 
there is no union between the small and large metacarpal bones, 
and the injury is confined to the inflammation produced in the 
sheath, which will generally go off after proper treatment and rest. 
These small bony growths are not very uncommonly met with in 
the hind legs, but they are not recognised there as splints. No 
constitutional symptoms are met with in these cases, and they must 
be ascertained by the local symptoms alone. Unless the splint is 
in the way of the action of the other foot, and the skin on its sur- 
face is bruised by repeated blows, there is seldom any swelling of 
the soft parts, but when this occurs, the skin and cellular mem- 
brane become puffed and hot, and extreme lameness is the result, 
temporarily aggravated by every blow. 

The treatment of a S2)luit will depend Tipon the state in which 
it exists, and upon the purpose to which the horse possessing it is 
destined. If no lameness exists, and the blemish is not objected 
to, it is far better not to meddle with it, for in the course of a few 
years it will disappear by absorption as a matter of course. 
Moreover it often happens that in attempting to remove a splint 
by some irritating application, extensive inflammation is set up in 
the fibrous strictures attached to it, and lameness, which was not 
previously in existence, is thenceforth a most troublesome attend- 
ant. If, however, the horse is for sale, in which case the exist- 
ence of a splint would be regarded with suspicion, or if lameness 
has shown itself, it will be necessary to adopt measures likely to 
effect the absorption of the morbid growth, and these are chiefly 
Iwo : — 1st, Sub-cutaneous scarification, or without, a seton, or tht 
Beton alone ; and 2d. Counter-iriitation by means of some form of 
blister. If the soft parts covering the splint are much inflamed, 
the horse should have his corn taken away, and a dose of physic 



16 THE HORSE. 

given liim, during which a wet bandage should be kept constantly 
applied, and indeed, in any case of splint severe enough to require 
operation, the cooling remedies mentioned above should be adopted 
Deforehand. The operation is performed with a probe-pointed 
narrow knife, shaped like a scimetar, with the cutting edge on the 
convex side. A small opening is made in the skin about an inch 
l>clow the splint, and just large enough to admit the knife, which 
is then introduced and pushed upwards with its flat side towards 
the skin, till it reaches the tumor, when the convex edge is turned 
towards this, and several extensive scarifications are made in the 
periosteum covering it, after which the knife is withdrawn and a 
fine seton^needle is introduced in its place, and passed upwards 
until it reaches above the splint, when it is pushed through, and 
the tape drawn out, and properly secured with a bandage. Of 
course the horse must be cast and properly secured before resorting 
to the knife. In the course of ten days or a fortnight, the tape 
may be withdrawn, and the splint will almost invariably disappear. 
Sometimes the seton is tried without the scarification, but it is not 
nearly so successful, and is nearly as troublesome an operation. In 
most cases both of these operations are unnecessary, and the 
application of the following blister (which has a tendency to 
produce absorption, independently of its counter irritative powers) 
will have the desired effect. 

Take of Biniodide of Mercury .... 1 drachm 

Lard 1 ounce. Mix, 

and after cutting the hair short, rub a little into the skin covering 
the splint, every night, until a free watery discharge is produced 
from the surface. To facilitate this the leg should be fomented 
with very hot water every morning and afternoon, and this should 
be continued for several days after the ointment has been dis- 
continued. The horse will not gnaw the skin after this applica- 
tion, and it is a very useful one for general purposes, when 
counter-irritation is required to produce absorption. If, afU r a 
week's interval, the splint does not appear much reduced in sizA 
the ointment should be re-applied, and repeated at similar inter- 
vals till the swelling is removed. When the bony growth is verj 
extensive, neither scarification nor counter-irritation will be of 
much service, and the leg must be fired, and afterwards repeatedlj/ 
blistered, but even with the best and most energetic treatment, 
the part will seldom become sufficiently sound to stand anything 
but slow W(jrk. 

RINGBONE AND SIDEBONE. 

lliNGBONE AND SIDEBONE both consist in the throwing out of 
b<my matter about the joints of the os coronae ; the former name 
being given to the disease when it attacks that between it and 



RINGBONE--OSSrFICATION OF CARTILAGES. 17 

tfi'! OS sufFraginis, and the latter when the seat is the paits arouLd 
its union with the os pedis or coffin bone. Very often and espe- 
cially in heavy cart or dray horses, ringbone and sidebone co exist 
in the same leg, where the three bones are completely anchylosed. 
and in which, during life, the only action was in the fetlock joint. 
The disease attacks the hind leg as well as the fore ; but it is 
Diore common in the latter than in the former. 

The sijmptoms are a greater or less enlargement of the leg, of a 
hard and unyielding nature, either immediately above the coronet, 
as in sidebone, or a little higher, as in ringbone. In the latter 
case, if thoroughly established, it surrounds the joint, whence the 
name of ringbone ; but in the early stages it appears at certain 
points from which it spreads all round. Sidebone is seldom so 
extensive, and usually attacks the postero-lateral parts of the os 
coronae, where the swelling is defined, and, except in very hairy- 
legged or gummy-heeled horses, can easily be felt. In the early 
stages the action is not impeded, but there is more or less soreness 
or lameness. After much bone is thrown out, the joints are either 
completely fixed or their movements are extremely limited. 

The treatment in the early stage is precisely similar to that for 
splint; but the operation of scarifying the periosteum requires 
E^reat care and some knowledge of the anatomy of these joints, or 
the knife will pierce the capsular ligament, and increase the evil 
it was intended to relieve. A seton without the scarification will 
often be of service, and for sidebone, firing in the early stage will 
be serviceable, though it is objectionable on account of the blemish 
it leaves behind. The biniodide of mercury ointment already 
described is most useful in slight cases, but in severe ones it will 
rather tend to aggravate the growth, and when anchylosis has 
taken place, nothing but time and patience for the subsidence of 
the inflammation will avail. When this has taken place, and the 
joint is fixed, a high-heeled shoe will enable the horse to work, 
vsith some awkwardness it is true, and the addition of a leather 
sole, will to some extent take off the jar, which occurs in a greatly 
increased ratio when the elastic action of the pastern joints is 
destroyed. 

OSSIFICATION OF THE LATERAL CARTILAGES. 

Tins IS COMMONLY KNOWN as ossification of the cartilages, cr 
false ringbone, no other cartilages being subject to ossification, 
and these being therefore known par excellence as the cartilages. 
In heavy cart-horses it often co-exists with ringbone and sidebone, 
especially the latter ; but it also attacks well-bred carriage-horses, 
and high-actioned hacks, which are comparatively free from thos6 
diseases. 

The si/mptoms are more or less enlargement of the back of the 

9 



18 THE HORSE. 

eoronet, and heel, the part feeling unnaturally hard and irregu- 
lar or lumpy. If recent, there is generally increased heat or 
careful examination with the hand; but in old standing cases 
there is nothing of the kind to be detected. Lamoness is uoi 
always present, but if the horse is rattled over hard ground, he 
will be more likely to show the effects on the next day, by going 
short and sore, than if he were free from this disease. 

The treatment should be confined to recent cases, for in ttld 
btanding ones, unless lameness shows itself, it is better to avoid 
ciny interference. A seton, with rest, has sometimes proved yery 
efficacious, even in confirmed ossification, and repeated dressings 
with the liniodide of mercury ointment, will, in those cases where 
the inflammation does not run very high, afford the best chance 
of causing tho absDrption of some of the bone, for a complete cure 
is never effected. When there is much heat in the part, bleeding 
from the foot may be adopted, and afterwards, the application of 
cloths dipped in cold water, with the addition of a glass of tincture 
of arnica to quart of water. In confirmed cases, where the parts 
have become callous, a leather sole to the shoe will take off the 
vibration, and should be used during the summer season. Scari- 
fication of the skin covering the enlargement with a lancet, encour- 
aging the bleeding by warm water, and followed by the use of 
cold water as soon as the bleeding has ceased, will sometimes do 
wonders in recent cases. The scarification should be repeated at 
intervals of five or six days, taking care to avoid injury to the 
coronary substance near the hoofs, which is sometimes followed 
by troublesome sores. 

BONE SPAVIN 

This disease, so frequently the cause of lameness in those 
horses which use their hocks severely (^as for example race-horses, 
hunters, carriage-horses, and more particularly cart-horses), con- 
sists in exostosis from the adjacent external surfaces of the tarsal 
bones, always showing itself at the inner side of the hock joint, 
on the scaphoid and cuneiform bones, and extending to the head of 
the internal small metatarsal bone. As in the case of splint, the 
occurnmce of exostosis on the internal rather than on the externa] 
side of the hock has been accounted for by the supposition that 
increased weight is thrown upon the internal small metataisal oone, 
from the turning up of the outer heel of the shoe, which is the 
common practice of smiths. It appears to me, however, that the 
contrary is the case, and that though more stress is laid upon the 
foot on that side, there is less weight on the inner side of the hock, 
which has a tendency to spring open in that direction. This will 
cause a strain upon the ligaments connecting the tarsal bunes, and 
nature coming to their aid throws out bone, which ultimately .«iub- 



BONE SPAVIN. 19 

stimtes anchylosis for ligamentous union letwcen these bones In 
all the actions of the hind leg, from the natural shape of the hoek, 
and more especially in those horses which are naturally " cow- 
hocked," there is a tendency to yield inwards rather than in the 
opposite direction. The consequence is that there is more strain 
upon the ligamentous fibres which connect the scaphoid with tlie 
two cuneiforn: and the internal metatarsal, tnan up^n those uniting 
the cuboid with the os calcis and external metatarsal bone. Hence, 
although exostosis does sometimes show itself in other parts of the 
tarsal bones, it here, as in the fore leg, is almost always confined 
to what is called the " spavin place," namely, the contiguous sur- 
faces of the scaphoid, cuneiform, and internal metatarsal bones. 
In very bad cases the articular cartilage becomes involved, and 
there is not only an external casing of new bone, but the internal 
surfaces absolutely coalesce or anchylose. 

The symptoms of spavin are a luird substance showing itself 
b'^yond the proper level of the hock joint. There may or may not 
be lameness, but if bone is thrown out the disease is established. 
In recent cases whenever the horse is worked he will after rest 
limp in his action, but the lameness soon goes oflP, and does not 
show itself again until the part has been suffered to become stiff 
by a rest of an hour or two. The lameness is very remarkable, 
and differs greatly from that shown in any other disease. The le» 
is drawn up with a quick catch, and yet there is a dragging of the 
limb, indicating not only pain in the joint, but a want of action in 
it. In the early stages the latter is not clearly developed, but 
afterwards it is so well marked that a spavin may be pronounced 
to exist without an examination of the joint. Where lameness is 
not established, great care should be exercised in pronouncing on 
the existence of spavin, for some hocks are naturally formed with 
prominent heads of the internal metatarsal bones, and the inexpe- 
rienced eye and hand are very apt to mistake these for exostosis-. 
In such cases, by comparing the two hocks it will generally be 
seer that they are both exactly alike, while in spavin, although 
both joints may be the seat of mischief, yet they will seldom mani- 
fest che disease to the same extent. 

7'he treatment should be directed to the abatement of the inflam- 
mation which gives rise to the pain, and also to promote absorption 
of the new growth. Veterinary surgeons are verj apt to ass( rt 
that the disease cannot be cured, and that a spavined horse will 
always remain the subject of it, and therefore unsound. But prac- 
tically it is known that many a hock which has been the seat of 
undoubted spavin loses all external enlargement, and no lameness; 
is shown in it, although tried most severely through a series of 
years. Still on dissection after death, the ligaments will not sho\^ 
their natural white and glistening structure, and the tarsal bone* 



20 THE HORSE. 

will be to a certain extent united by anchylosis. In rery bad 
cases there will be also caries of the articulatory surfaces, and with 
it inflammation of the synovial membranes, which may and often 
does exist without the caries. Now as these are much more for- 
midable diseases than exostosis, and far more difficult either to 
care or palliate, it follows that although certain remedies will be 
generally successful with genuine bone spavin (exostosis), yet they 
wriii fail when the above complication exists. The treatment must 
therefore be adapted to the exact nature and extent of the disease. 
Prior to the adoption of any plan the joint should be rested, the 
outer heel of the shoe should be lowered, the corn should be taken 
away, and the system cooled by appropriate treatment. After 
there precautions are taken, the next thing is to decide upon the 
remedies which will be suited to the case. They consist in — 1. 
Blisters, which h-uve a tendency to cause absorption ; 2. Firing; 3. 
Setons, with or without subcutaneous scarification ; 4. Division of 
the nerve. If there is simply a slight exostosis, with little lameness, 
and no evidence of the joint being implicated, the biniodide of mer- 
cury may be applied as described at page 300. Kepeated dressings 
will be necessary, and the joint must have at least two months' abso- 
lute rest, the horse being placed in a loose box. This remedy is 
often successful, but it will fail utterly where the exostosis is ex- 
tensive, or there is caries, or even severe inflammation of the 
synovial membrane. Arsenic, sulphuric acid, and other caustic 
applications, have betn counted as infallible cures; but while they 
are just as certain to produce a blemish as firing, the extent to 
which the inflammation and sloughing, caused by them, go is Tar 
more completely beyond our control. Arsenic has been known to 
destroy the joint, by producing a slough of the synovial membrane, 
and it is said that the sulphuric acid, which, however, is often vt ry 
successful, has had a similar unfortunate result; but of its beij'g 
followed by serious blemishes there is abundant proof Firing is 
the safest, and, therefore, the usual plan adopted for spavin, and 
on the first intimation of the disease it is often adopted without 
any necessity for having recourse to so disfiguring a process. iU 
chief advantage is, that while it is a certain means of establishini; 
a strong counter-irritation, it has no tendency to cause any increase 
of inflammation in the structures beneath the skin, and therefore 
the good it does is unalloyed by any counterbalancing evil. It is 
now the fashion to deny its use. and horsemasters are often tcmyited 
fco try some substitute for it in the hope of escaping a blemish ; but 
too often they are compelled to submit to it at last, and probably 
after the disease has been aggravated by some "unfailing" remedy. 
If there is a strong desire expressed to avoid a blemif^h, the vete- 
rinary surgeon is perfectly warranted in doing all in his power tc 
effect a cure without the use of the irons; but the mere fashion of 



SPAVIN— SHOtLDER JOINT LAMENESS. 21 

tlie (lay should not induce him to decry a plan which has iur s?c 
unny years been proved to be successful. In human surgery the 
«ame course has been adopted, and for the last thirty or foity 
years the actual cautery has been voted "barbarous'' in thi^ 
country. Now, however, a counter current is setting in, and it is 
the general opinion of the first hospital surgeons of the day that, 
in certain diseases of the joints, no remedy is nearly so efficacious, 
All sorts of attempts are made to render the use of the hot iion 
less repugnant to the senses; but in the case of the horse it is only 
necessary to measure its comparative utility and the amount of 
pain which it gives. The former has been already considered, and 
as to the latter, if the irons are properly heated, I much doubt 
whether their action is not less painful than that of any other 
counter-irritant. Setons, perhaps, give less pain if skilfully in- 
serted, and they are admirable remedies, having nearly the same 
beneficial effects as firing, and leaving a far slighter blemish. They 
should be passed beneath a considerable track of the skin, covering 
the " spavin place,'' and the tape requires to be smeared with blis- 
tering cerate to produce sufficient irritation. Their use by them- 
selves is often sufficient, but when preceded by subcutaneous 
scarification they seem to act even more certainly than firing. 

The metliod of operation is similar to that described for splints, 
but it re(|uires more knowledge of the anatomy of the parts to 
avoid doing mischief by cutting into one of the joints. There is 
always afterwards considerable eff"usion into the subcutaneous 
cellnlar membrane, demanding two or three months for its removal; 
but as the spavined horse requires that interval of rest, this is of 
litt^ or no consequence. When the disease has gone so far that 
no Tuethod of treatu^nt will remove it, the nerve above the hock 
may be divided, which will enable the horse to work without pain 
for a time, but the disease goes on the faster, and the benefit 
derived is only temporary. 

Mr. Holmes, of Beverly, has obtained great celebrity for hia 
treatment of spavin on this plan, and undoubtedly not without 
founiation. Some of his cures have been very remarkable, as 
•iven old standing and extensive growths of bone have been re- 
duced, and the hocks have remained sound afterwards. 



EXOSTOSIS OF THE HUMERUS AND SCArULA. 

The heads op the bones adjacent to most of the joints of tlie 
body are more or less subject to exostosis, though not so frequently 
as those of the pastern bones and tarsus. Next to these probably 
comes the shoulder joint, the neighborhood of which is often the seat 
of this disease. The left scapula and humerus of a horse are oiten 
completely anchylosed, and of course there co-exists a proportionate 



22 THE HORSE. 

amouiil of lameness during the progiess of the disea.^e, while aftji 
the an ;h3-losis takes place the want of action is complete. An 
examination by the hand of the point of the shoulder would readil}? 
detect so large a growth of bone as this; but smaller ones are v)ftcn 
thro\^n out beneath the mass of muscles surrounding the shoulder 
joint, and consequently beyond the reach of the most accomplished 
6nger. The treatment should be on the same principle as ftjt 
spavin, omitting the subcutaneous scarification, which is not hera 
j racticable on account of the nature of the joint. Blisters, and 
tj.-pecially with the biniodide of mercury, will be the most likely to 
succeed, but in most cases the cure will be only partial. 



FISTULA OF THE WITHERS. 

When a saddle has been allowed to press upon the spinoua 
processes of the dorsal vertebrae, it produces inflammation, which, 
if neglected, leads to the formation of an abscess. ]5ut the situa- 
tion of the part is such that the matter cannot escape, even if the 
skin over the points of the bones is perforated, and it has a ten- 
dency, by the force of gravity, to burrow down among the muscles 
which connect the shoulder-blade with the trunk. The conse- 
quence is, that there is extensive inflammation, and often lameness 
of the shoulder, which could readily have been prevented by using 
proper care before the mischief was done, or removed by the adop- 
tion of suitable treatment afterwards before the disease is cou- 
tirmed. 

The iii/mptom». in the early stage (that is, before a fistula is 
established) are merely an enlargement oi' the ends of the spinous 
processes, accompanied by heat and tenderness, but these go ou 
until an absc-ess forms, which may be known to the touch by tlw 
fluctuating nature of the sensation which it gives on pressure 
by the fingers of each hand. As soon as this is made out, an 
opening should be made as low dow^n as possible on the right side, 
taking care that it will allow all the matter to rur out as fast as it 
forms. The reason why the right side should be chosen is, that 
most horses lie down on that side; but if the subjoct of fistulous 
WMliiers is in the habit of lying on the left side, the opening 
shoald be made there in preference. When an actual fistula has 
been established, and the matter points before or behind the 
shtailder-blade, a sufficiently large opening should at once be made, 
taking care again that there is no pouch below it which will 
permit any accumulation. It is better to divide even important 
muscles than to suffer this to exist. In recent cases the establish- 
ment of this dependent opening will alone suffice to effect a cure ; 
but in those of long standings the lining of the fistulous p'issag« 



POLL EVIL— CARIES OF THE JAW. 23 

ov passages has become converted into a substance ahi ost r'^sem- 
bling cartilage, and refuses to throw out healthy granulations, sc 
us to lead to adhesion of its walls. Heie a stimulus must be 
applied to their interior, which may be either mechanical, in ths 
shape of a scton tape passed through from end to end and lel't 
there, or chemical, by means of injections. The latter are best 
composed of chloride of zinc diluted with water. One drachm of 
this should be mixed in a pint of water, and carefully injected 
into every part of the sinus twice or thrice a week. 

POLL EVIL. 

PoiiL EVIL is exactly similar in its nature to fistulous withers, 
being produced by a blow on the prominent ridge, which is situ- 
ated on the top of the poll. The blow is generally produced in 
the stable, by the horse suddenly lifting his head and striking it 
against a low beam or the lintel of the door. Or it may be caused by 
frequently straining against the halter rein, and thus producing 
irritation and inflammation of the part. As the ligamentum cclli 
is attached above, and anterioi to, the inflamed part, when matter 
forms it is confined and gives intense pain ; besides which, it is a long 
time befoi-e it opens a passage by natural means. The sT/mpfoins 
are a painful swelling on the poll, of a soft nature, accompanied by 
the sense of fluctuation on examination, just like that described as 
accompanying fistulous withers. The treatment must be precisely 
similar to that desc-ribed in the last section ; but as the matter 
when formed lies very close to the spinal cord, some caution must 
be exercised in adopting stimulating injections, which are apt to 
produce severe inflammation, likely to extend to these important 
structures. So also in opening it, the knife should not be carried 
deeply into the situation of the spinal marrow, which here lies 
exposed, and is easily divided (as in the operation known by the 
name of pithing), but it should be used in a slanting manner, again 
selecting the right side in preference to the left. A seton is here 
the safest plan for promoting granulation and adhesion, and as the 
fistulous track is seldom very long, the tape will work its way 
{gradually out, by which time the cure is efi'ected. 

CARIES OF THE JAW. 
Tl'E UPP£R JAW, FROM ITS EXPOSED SITUATION, and the 

lower from the same cause, and also from the abuse of the bit, 
are liable to mechanical injury, which ends in caries (ulceration), 
or sometimes in necrosis (mortification) of the part. Caries of 
the lower jaw, between the tushes and grinders, is extremely 
common, owing to the barbarous punishment which is inflicted by 
the use of long levers to curb bits, together with light curb chains. 
The bony plate forming the roof of the mouth is also often injured 



24 THE HORSE. 

by the pressure of tlie part when a tight noseband is employed Ic 
keep the mouth shut. Either may be known by th(( existence of a 
Bore of a peculiar character ; there is a depression indicating a loss 
of substance, and in this lies a mass of unhealthy granulation 
(proud flesh), lohkh is not attached to the snrroundhifi surface, 
heing only fixed to the hottomofthe cavitij^ or perhaps partially on one 
side. A watery and ofiFensive discharge goes on constantly, but 
tluM is lost in the saliva, and very often the only circumstance ihat 
draws attention to the disease is the constant bleeding from the 
mouth, on the slightest contact of the bit. When this occurs, the 
mouth being full of pink froth, it should be carefully examined, 
and the state of things here described will generally be found to 
exist. The treatment should consist in the adoption of a bit 
pressing upon another part of the mouth, changing the curb for a 
snaffle. The wound should be kept open by the use of caustic 
(lunar) daily, which should be pushed deeply into it for couple of 
seconds, and will destroy the unhealthy granulations. By con- 
tinuing these measures, taking care not to do more with the 
caustic than necessary to keep down the fungous growth, a cure 
san always be effected in course of time, without the aid of the 
trephine or chisel to cut away the diseased bone. 



OSTEO SAKCOMA. 

The jaws are occasionally attacked by a malignant growth from 
llieir cellular structure of a substance partaking of the nature both 
of cartilage and bone. It increases sometimes to an enormous size, 
and forms a large irregular tumor, which interferes terribly with 
their functions, often growing so as to prevent the closure of the 
teeth. The si/mptoms are entirely local, and when a large, unwieldy, 
and irregularly hard swelling on cither of the jaws is met with, it 
may safely be set down as belonging to thifj class of disease. No 
treatment is of any avail except excision, which can rarely be carried 
through without rendering the horse unserviceable for his ordinary 
duties. 



FRACTURES. 

Bones are not unfrequently broken in the horse; but as tho 
accident generally occurs either during the violent exertion oi" the 
muscles of the limb, or from great external force, it follows that in 
most cases the injury to the soft parts is so great as to forbid tho 
Hope of a perfect reparation. When, for instance, a canna or 
pastern bone gives way during the shock sustained in coming down 



FRACTURES. 25 

im hard gi'ound from a leap, either at the moment of the fracture 
3r before the horse can be stopped, the upper end pierces the skin, 
inil also tears or bruises the tendons which alone connect it to the 
part below. In surgical language, the fracture is a compound one ; 
and from the great tendency to contraction of the muscles, the 
difficulty of bringing the disunited ends into apposition (or sotting 
them) is immense. Moreover, the horse is very unmanageablo 
when an attempt is made to confine him, and the means which aro 
adopted to keep the fracture set must therefore be very complete 
as compared with those which will serve for the restoration of the 
human being who has sustained a similar accident. Hence, unless 
the animal is wanted for stud purposes alone, or unless the fracture 
is a simple one, with little displacement, it will seldom be worth 
the attempt to procure the union of a broken bone in the horse. 
Many cases are on record in which after a fracture of a canna or 
pastern bone a complete cure has been effected, but they must be 
considered as exceptional, and not as affording as much encourage- 
ment. 

The symptoms of simple fracture are a greater or less 
degree of deformity of the limb, swelling, pain on motion, and a 
peculiar grating or jarring which is felt rather than heard, and 
which has received the name of " crepitus." The last symptom 
can only be made out when the broken ends of the bone can be 
brought together; but when this is impossible, the alteration of 
form is in itself sufficient to lead to a detection of the nature of 
the accident. In fractures of the head and spine there is no 
crepitus felt, and the effect upon the brain and spinal cord of 
pressure will be often the sole means of coming to a correct 
diagnosis. Fractures of the pelvis are very difficult to make out, 
unless the ala of the ilium is broken off, which is a common acci- 
dent, for here the unnatural flatness of the hip, showing itself 
without any great difficulty of moving the hind leg of that side, 
plainly marks that there is no dislocation, and that the case can 
only be one of fracture. It is always the result of a blow, either 
when the horse is cast in a stall or in passing through a narrow 
door-way, or from a similar cause ; and there will therefore be some 
ewelling of the soft parts which will interfere with the examination 
at the time, but as nothing can be done to restore the broken 
portion to its place, and as there is no doubt about the diagnosis 
IVom dislocation, this is of little consequence. Fractures of the 
ribs (isannot be readily detected ; but as they almost always follow 
a kick on the part, and as they do not require any treatment 
unless their broken ends press upon the important viscera of the 
thorax or abdomen, it will be well to wait for the symptoms which 
are caused by this mechanical irritation before resorting to band, 
ages, &c. When a fracture occurs in any of the bones ol' the 



26 THE HORSE. 

extiuuiitics, which are concealed by a large mass of muscle, ihe 
total inability to use the limb, and the loose way in which it ia 
connected to the body, so as to allow it to be moved in any direc- 
tion, indicate the general nature of the case without difficulty, 
though a careful examination must be made by a skiiful surgeon 
before the exact particulars relating to it can be ascertained. 

The treatment will depend upon the bone which is broken, and 
whether the fracture is simple or compound. In most cases of 
the latter description none will avail, and the horse had better be 
destroyed; but if the owner is averse to this, it will be on the 
whole the best surgery, though apparently not very scientific, to 
encase the parts with adhesive plasters and tow, and then treat 
it as a simple fracture. 

If the bones of the skull are fractured, unless there are 
symptoms of pressure on the brain, it is advisable to leave all to 
nature, simply keeping the patient quiet and low, and if in a high 
state of plethora, bleeding and physicking. 

A broken lower jaw is by no means uncommon as the result 
of a kick. The best treatment is to set the fracture, and then 
mould some gutta percha to it, which may be confined behind by 
strips round the forehead and poll, and before by a padded strap 
passed through the mouth between the nippers and tushes, and 
beneath the tongue. The horse must be fed upon mashes and 
steamed food. 

In fractures of the spine and pelvis nothing can be done 
beyond rest and lowering, if necessary, by bleeding and physic. 

i^ROKEN RIBS, when they cause inflammation of the lungs or 
liver by their sharp ends pressing upon these organs, may be 
treated by buckling two or three ordinary rollers abreast of one 
another tightly round the chest, so as to prevent the natural dila- 
tation of the thorax, which takes place in inspiration, and which 
keeps up the irritation by constantly moving the ends of the ribs. 
The general means necessary to adopt to relieve the internal mis- 
chief will depend upon its extent. 

When either the scapula, humerus, or femur is broken, 
all that can be done is to sling the horse, and by bandages endeavor 
to bring the limb into as natural a position as possible, and keep it 
there. There must of necessity be great displacement of the ends 
of the bones and these cannot by any means be brought into appo- 
sition ; but the sides in contact with one another, as they over- 
ride, will unite in course of time, and this is all that can be 
achieved by the utmost efforts of the veterinary surgeon. 

Fractures of the lower part of the tibia, of the radius, of the 
canna bones and the pasterns, if simple, must be treated by adj jst- 
mg the ends (which is the chief difficulty, and will often require 
strong extension to be employed), and then adapting to the sides 



FRACTURES— DISEASES OF MUSCLES, ETC. 27 

of tiio bones splints of wood or gutta percha. If, by tlie aid of 
assistants, the parts can be brought into a good position, these maj 
00 carefully adjusted to maintain it, and may be kept in place by 
tapes or straps fastened moderately tightly around them. It i& 
useless, however, to attempt a minute description of the means to 
be employed, which can hardly be understood without a demon- 
Btration. Many horses have recovered a fair use of the limb b} 
the application of splints, without slinging, as they will take care 
to avoid resting on that foot in consequence of the pain it gives j 
but under the care of an accomplished veterinary surgeon, slings 
will afibrd the best chance of recovery. 



CHAPTER II. 
IN.JURY AND DISEASES OF THE JOINTS, MUSCLES, AND TENDONS. 

Dis^,ases of Muscle, Tendon, and Ligament — Of Cartilage and 
Synovial Membrane — Injlamed Tendinous Sheaths — Injlamed 
Bur see Mucosce — Strains — Those oj the Back and Loins — OJ 
the Shoulder — Of the Knee — Of the Fetlock— Of the Cojin 
Joint — OJ the Suspensory Ligaments — OJ the Back-Sinews — 
Breaking Down — Strains of the Hip- Joint, Stifle, and Hock — 
Curb — Dislocation — Wounds oJ Joints. 

DISEASES OF MUSCLE, TENDON, AND LIGAMENT. , 

Muscle is subject to simple atrophy, with or witliout fatty de- 
generation. The disease shows itself by a wasting away of the 
part, accompanied by a flabby feel to the touch. It should be 
treated by friction, gentle but regular work, and steel given inter- 
nally, one drachm of the sulphate of iron powdered being mixed 
with the corn twice a day. 

Rheumatic inflammation of a muscle or muscles is one of 
the most common of all the diseases to which the horse is subject. 
Most frequently it attacks the muscles of the shoulder, or of the 
loins, sometimes both those parts being involved at the same tiaie. 
When acute it receives the name of a chill, and is generally brought 
on by exposing the horse to a draught of air after work, or by im- 
mersing him in cold wat».- up to his belly, with a view either to 
refresh him, or when the groom is lazy, to save him the trouble of 
cleaning. The s/pnptoms are lameness or inability to use the part, 
the horse, when forced to do so, giving expressions of severe j)aiu. 
If the shoulder is affected, the foot is not pat to the ground, and 
v{t\ita the leg is moved backwards and forwards by the hand, great 



28 THE HORSE. 

)j^,n is evidently experienced. In severe cases there is fever with 
accelerated pulse (70 to 80), accompanied often by profuse sweat' 
ing, and heaving at the flanks, the legs remaining warm. After a 
ehort time the part swells, and is excessively tender. The trcaf* 
ment should be by a copious bleediog, if the horse is of a mode- 
rately strong constitution ; indeed, in severe cases it should be 
carried on till the pulse is greatly reduced, and repeated the next 
day, if it returns to its original hardness and fulness. The bowels 
should be acted on as soon as it is safe to do so, and if the dung 
is very hard, backraking and clysters should be used, to accelerate 
the action of the medicine. The best aperient is castor oil, of 
which a pint may be given with an ounce of sweet spirits of nitre. 
When this has acted, if the kidneys are not doing their duty, a 
quarter of an ounce of nitre and a drachm of camphor may be 
made into a ball and given twice a day. 

Chronic rheumatism of the muscles is similar in its nature 
to the acute form, but, as its name implies, it is more lasting, and 
of less severity. It ol'ten flies from one part to another, attacking 
the ligaments and tendons, as well as the muscular fibres. It is 
seldom much under control, and attention should be paid rather to 
improve the general health than to subdue the local afiection. 

Small tumors, of about the size of a pea, often form upon the 
tendons, especially the " back sinews" of the fore legs. They may 
or may not occasion lameness, but they are always to be regarded 
with suspicion. As long as they remain indolent, they are better 
left alone; but when they produce inflammation and pain, the 
best remedy is the biniodide of mercury ointment, described at 
page 300. 

DISEASES OF CARTILAGE AND SYNOVIAL MEMBRANE. 

Cartilage is subject chiefly to ulceration. When this occurs, 
its cells become enlarged and crowded with corpuscles, which burst 
and discharge their contents; the intercellular structure at the 
same tinie splits into bands, which, together with the corpuscles, 
form a tibro-nucleated membrane on the face of the cartilage. In 
old horses, the ulcerated cartilage covering the tibial surface of the 
astragalus is sometimes converted into a soft fibrous substance, 
■^b.^ch ultimately assumes the appearance of hard and dense bone, 
commonly known as " porcellaneous or ivory deposit." It is ac- 
companied by no symptoms of inflammation ; the sole evidence of 
disease, during life, being a stifi"ness of the joint, and a peculiar 
grating or crackling noise during all attempts at movement. When 
caries of the head of a bone has caused a loss of substance, the 
cartilage dies, and is gradually broken down by decomposition ; 
but this cannot be said to be a disease of the cartilage itself. With 
the exception of navicular disease (which will be included undei 



DISEASES OF CARTILAGE AND SYNOVIAL MEMBRANE. 29 

the diseases of the foot), ulceration of cartilao;e is not very com- 
aion in the horse. 

Acute inflammation of the synovial membrane is schloni 
met with ; but a chronic state, inducing an excessive secretion of 
synovia, is extremely common. The most usual situation is at the 
hock, where the swelling has received the name of oog-spavin and 
thoroughpin ; but they also occur at the fetlock and knee joints; 
in the former case being sometimes confounded with windgalls, 
which are inflamed bursas mucosas. 

Boo -spavin is very apt to attack young horses, when they are 
over-worked, before being fully seasoned ; but it may occur at all 
ages. It shows itself at the inner side of the joint, because here 
the ligaments are wider apart, and there is more room for disten- 
sion. Its seat is the capsule between the tibia and astragalus, 
which is here unprotected by any strong fibrous covering, and 
readily yields to the gradual pressure of the secretion from its in- 
ternal surface. 

Thoroughpin may be either an increased secretion of the syno- 
vial capsule, between the astragalus and os calcis, or between the 
scaphoid and cuneiform bones, or of the bursa mucosa lying be- 
tween the tendo Achillis and the tendo perforatus. In the first 
of these cases, it often coexists with bog-spavin, and the synovia 
may be made to fluctuate from one bag to the other, the only line 
of demarcation being the astragalo-calcanean ligament. 

BotJt ho(/-!<f)avi)i and thoroughpin may exist, or either separately, 
without occasioning lameness; but where they are just established, 
there is generally some small degree of active inflammation, which 
causes a slight lameness on first going out of the stable, but soon 
disappearing. 

Tlte tr^ahnent should be by pressure, kept up for a long time, 
by means of a carefully-adjusted truss, alternated with cold affu- 
Bion, and the use afterwards of tincture of arnica, diluted with 
water, as a wash. Subcutaneous scarification has succeeded in 
some few cases in causing the secretion to cease ; but it has so 
often produced extensive inflammation of the joint, that the opera- 
tion is by no means to be recommended. Blistering with biniodide 
of mercury has also occasionally answered ; but no plan is so suc- 
cessful, on the whole, as pressure, alternating with cold aff'usion 

Delicate young foals are subject to a rheumatic inflamma- 
tion of their synovial membranes, specially displayed in the knees 
and hocks, and apparently caused by exposure to cold. It seldom 
goes on to produce disorganization of the cartilages, but the cai)su- 
lar ligaments are distended with thin yellow synovia, causing 
considerable stiff"ness. The cellular tissue around the joints also 
becomes oedematous, and the logs fill all the way down lo the feet. 
It is commonly known among breeders as the joint evil," anJ 



30 THE HORSE. 

though in itself it is not dangerous, yet it marks the existeme of 
constitutional weakness which is likely to occasion some more fatal 
malady. The treatment should consist in attending to the general 
health by strengthening the mare, which is best done by giving 
her a drachm of the sulphate of iron in her corn twice a day. 
The joints of the foal should be rubbed with equal parts of soap 
liniment and spirit of turpentine, and it should be assisted to stand 
for the purpose of sucking at regular shori intervals ii' unable to 
help it'jclf. In aggravated cases, however, the foal is not likely 
to recover its general strength, and it may be better to destroy it, 
but so long as it can stand and feeds well hopes may be enter- 
tained of the joints recovering. 

INFLAMED TENDINOUS SHEATHS. 

Every practical horseman is aware that the sheaths in 
which the back sinews and other tendons are lodged are liable to 
inflammation and thickening, without the tendon itself being 
involved. By passing the hand down the leg, an irregular network 
may be felt surrounding the tendons, which move up and down 
without disturbing it; and the surrounding cellular membrane is 
also thickened, and becomes hard and unyielding. There n)ay be 
considerable heat about the part, but often it is quite cool ; and 
the disease may continue for months without any great lameness, 
and with nothing to draw attention to it (excepting a slight 
stiffness on leaving the stable) but the sensation communicated to 
the hand. At length, an unusually severe day's work sets up 
active inflammation, the leg rapidly lills, and there is so much 
lameness as to cause the horse to be thrown by. — The treatments 
the early stage, should be the use of bandages, constantly kept 
wet with arnica and water, and nothing but walking exercise. 
After the thickening is fully established, no remedy short of 
blistering, or a charge, will be of the slightest avail, with a rest of 
two or three mouths. 

INFLAMED BURS7E MUCOSAE. 

These synovial bags are liable to inflammation, either from 
hard work, as in windgalls and thoroughpin, or from blows, as in 
•sapped hock and elbow. The latter are said by some veterina- 
rians to be serous abscesses; but there is no doubt that in all 
horses a subcutaneous bursa exists on the cap of the elbow and 
hock; and these become inflamed and filled with a very thin 
synovia, when they are bruised. They never extend beyond a 
certain size, and have no tendency to burst; nor are they inclined 
to a healthy termination of their own accurd, but go on in the 
same condition fron vear to year. 

Windgalls, or puffs, ^ue the most usual forms of thcise eo- 



INFLAMED BURSiE MUCOSA. SI 

ia^gements, and may be observed in the legs (hind as well as fore) 
of nearly every hard-worked horse, after a time. Great care in the 
managenient of the legs by bandaging will sometimes keep them 
off, and some horses have naturally no tendency to form them ; 
but in most cases, on examining the legs, just above the fetlock 
joints, of horses at work, a little oval bag may be felt on each 
side, between the back-sinew and the bone. If recent, it is sofl 
and puffy ; but if the work is hard, and the windgall is of long 
standing, it will be as tense as a drum. The synovial bag has no 
communication with the fetlock joint; but there is another sac in 
fr^nt of the joint, and beneath the tendons of the extensors, which 
IS often enlarged, though not so much so as the seat of the true 
windgall, and which is generally, though not always, continuous 
wich the synovial capsule of the joint. — The treatment consists in 
pressure by means of bandages, and the application of cold lotions, 
if the legs are hot and inflamed. Blistering and rest will remove 
them entirely; but no sooner is the horse put to work again, than 
they return as badly as ever. There is no radical cure but subcu- 
taneous puncture and scarification, and this will produce too much 
adhesion to be advantageously applied. 

The form op thorougiipin in which the bursa mucosa be- 
tween the tendo Achillis and the tendo perforatus is inflamed and 
tilled with synovia, has been alluded to at page 313, and its treat- 
ment is there described. 

Capped hock is often the result of a bruise of the superficial 
bursa, which is situated on the point of the hock, immediately 
beneath the skin. It indicates either that the possessor has kicked 
in the stable or in harness; but it is more frequently caused in 
the former way than in the latter. The swelling is sometimes 
slight, being then just sufficient to show the point slightly enlarged, 
and to give a soft, puffy sensation to the fingers, where there ought 
to be nothing but bone felt beneath the skin. The bursa always 
rolls freely on the bone, and when large, it can be laid hold of and 
shaken like a bladder ol water. — The treatment should be directed 
to abate any slight inflammation that may exist, if the case is 
established ; but in recent ones, it is doubly necessary lo apply cold 
.'otions, which, however, there is some difficulty in doing, owing to 
the prominent nature of the part, A piece of stout calico or tine 
canvas niay, however, be shaped into a cap, carefully fitting the 
point of the hock; and this being tied by several pieces of tape in 
front of the leg, will allow not only of the application of cold 
lotions, but of pressure also By this plan, continued for some 
weeks, considerable enlargements have been removed, but they 
are vcy apt to return on the slightest bruise. Setons through the 
bursa, and injections into its cavity of stimulating applications, 
have often been tried; but they generally do more harm than 



32 THE IIOKSE. 

good, and nothing can be relied on but the conjoint use of pressure 
and cold applications. The best lotion is the following: — 

Take of Tinclin-c of Arnica ,3 ozs. 

Muriate of Ammonia .... . 2 " 
Methylated Spirit of Wine ... 4 '* 
Water 3 pints. Mix. 

C/PPED ELBOW is precisely similar in its nature to capped 
hock, and must be treated in the same way. It is also known by 
the name of capulet. 

OF STRAINS. 

The fibbes of muscles, ligaments, and tendons, and the 
FASCIA covering them, are all liable to be overstretched, and more 
or less mechanically injured. This is called a strain, the symj^foms 
of which are similar to the inflammation of the part occurring 
ideopathically. They are heat, swelling, and pain on pressure or 
movement, shown by flinching in the one case, and lameness in the 
other. In some cases there is considerable efl"usion of blood or 
serum, the former occurring chiefly in the muscles, and the latter 
among the torn fibres of the tendons or ligaments. The symptoms 
and treatmrnt will depend upon the part injured, which will be 
found described under the following heads; but in most cases an 
embrocation composed of equal parts of laudanum, olive oil, spirit 
oi' turpentine, and hartshorn, will be beneficial if applied after the 
first active inflammation has subsided. 

STRAIN OF THE BACK AND LOINS. 

"When a young horse has been hunted or ridden with hounds 
over any kind of fence, he is very apt to over-exert himself in his 
ywkward attempts to clear the obstacle, and next day he will often 
show a stiff'ness of the loins and back, which is seated in the large 
muscles connecting the pelvis with the thorax. He is said to have 
"ricked his back," in the language of the stable, and if the mis- 
chief is confined to the muscles alone, he may generally be per- 
niunently cured, though he will be more liable to a return than an 
aiiiinal which has never suff'ered from any accident of the kind. 
If, however, the spinal cord is injured, either from fracture ol tho 
vertebrae, or from eff'usion of blood or serum pressing upon ft, the 
case is diS'erent, and a perfect cure is seldom obtained. It is, 
however, very difficult to form a correct diagnosis between the one 
uase and the other, and the treatment may generally be conducted 
with the hope that the more important organ is uninjured. When 
there is complete palsy of the hind extremities, so that the horse 
can neither feel nor use them in the slightest degree, the case ia 
hopeless. For the management of the strain of the loins, a full 
bleeding should be adopted, as it generally happens that the horse 



STRAINS. 33 

5e pistil oric and full of corn. Then apply a double fold of thick 
flannel or serge, dipped in warm water, to the whole surface of the 
loins, cover this over with a layer of indiarubber sheeting, and let 
it remain on, taking care to renew the water if it has become dry. 
It generally produces a copious sweating from the part, followed 
by a slight irritation of the skin, both of which afford relief. ]d 
three or four days the flannel may be removed, and the embroca- 
fion alluded to above rubbed in two or three times a day, which 
will generally relieve the muscles so much that at the end of a 
week or ten days the horse is able to move quietly al out in a 
loose box, and the cure may be left to time, aided by a charge cq 
Uie back. 

STRAIN OF THE SHOULDER. 

Shoulder strain was formerly very often chosen as the seat 
of lameness in the fore extremity, solely because the case is so ob- 
scure that it is beyond the knowledge of the unskilful examiner. 
Nevertheless, it is by no means so uncommon as is supposed by 
some writers, and perhaps it may be asserted that it is now more 
frequently passed over when it really exists, than the reverse. It 
generally is seated in the serratus magnus, or pectoralis transversus 
muscles, but it may also occur in the triceps, or, indeed, in almost 
any of the muscles around the shoulder joint. The symptoms are 
very peculiar, and cannot well be mistaken by a careful observer 
who has once seen a case of shoulder lameness. In all other kinds 
(except the knee), the limb is freely moved while in the air, and 
no pain is expressed until the foot is about to touch the ground; 
but here the lameness is greatest while the knee is being protruded, 
and the limb is slung forward sideways, in a circular manner, which 
gives an expression of great imbecility. It also occasions great 
pain when the foot is lifted and drawn forward by the hand, just 
as in rheumatism of the part (already described at page 312). 
When the serratus magnus has been strained by a fall from a drop 
leap, or the pectoralis transversus by a slip, causing the legs to be 
widely separated, there is often great obscurity in the case ; but 
the history of the accident will generally assist in forming a cor- 
rect diagnosis. The treatment in the early stage will consist in 
bleeding from the plate vein, to the extent of five or six quarts of 
blood, followed by fomentations with hot water, if there is mu( h 
hijat and swelling, and giving a dose of physic as soon as tliQ 
bowels will bear it. When the heat has disappeared, or at once, 
if there is none, apply the embrocation described at page 315; and 
if this does not produce relief, add to it one quarter of its bulk of 
tincture of cantharides. 

STRAINS OF THE KNEE. 
The knee, unlike its analogue in the human subject (the wrist) 

3 



34 THE HORSE. 

is seldom strained in tlie horse, in consequencs if tlie strong liga* 
ments which bind the bones of the carpus together. Still it some- 
times happens that the internal lateral ligaments are overstretched, 
or, in calf-kneed horses, the posterior common ligaments, or that 
connecting the scaphoid with the pisiform bone, or probably all 
these will suffer from over-extension. The accident may be re- 
cognised by the heat and swelling of the part affected, as well a«? 
by the pain given on using the joint. The anterior ligaments are 
seldom strained, but are liable to injury from blows received in 
various ways. The fn-atment should be conducted on the same 
principles as those of strains in the shoulder. Cold applications 
will seldom do anything but harm in the early stage; but after 
hot fomentations have relieved the active mischief, by encouraging 
the effusion of scrum into the surrounrling cellul'ir membrare, the 
former may be used with advantage. When the heat and other 
signs of active inflammation have disappeared, the biniodide of 
mercury ointment may be rubbed in, avoiding the back of the joint. 

STRAIN OF THE FETLOCK. 

Tins ACCIDENT shows itself at once, in consequence of the super- 
ficial nature of the joint, by swelling, heat, soreness to the touch, 
and lameness. It may be very slight or very severe, but in the 
latter case it is generally complicated by strain of the back sinews, 
or suspensory ligament. The treatment will be precisely on the 
same plan as for strain of the knee. When the anterior ligaments 
of the fetlock joint are strained and inflamed, as so often happens 
with race-horses, the condition is known as "shin sore." 

STRAIN OF THE COFFIN JOINT. 

Dissection proves that this joint is sometimes the seat of 
strain ; but it is almost impossible to ascertain its existence with 
certainty during life. The diagnosis is, however, not of ujuch 
consequence, as the treatment will be the same, whether the coffin 
juint, or the navicular joint is the seat of the mischief. In any 
case, if severe, bleeding from the toe should be had recourse to, 
followed by cold applications around the coronet, by means of a 
strip of flannel or felt, tied loosely around the pastern, and kept 
constantly wet. When the heat has subsided the coronet sliould 
be blistered. 

STRAIN OF THE SUSPENSORY LIGAMENTS. 

The suspensory ligament not being elastic like the back 
sinews (which, though not in themselves extensible, are the pro- 
longations of muscles v;hich have that property), is very liable to 
strains, especially in the hunter, and to a less degree in the race- 
horse. The accident is readily made out. fur there is local swelhns 



STRAINS. 35 

and tnnderness, and in the well-bred horse, which is alone likely 
DO meet with a strain of this kind, the leg is rarely sufficiently 
gummy to prevent the finger from making out the condition of the 
ligaments and tendons. There is no giving away of the joints as 
in " break-down," but on the contrary the leg is flexed, and if Ihc 
case is a bad one, the toe only is allowed to touch the ground. In 
ordinary cases, however, there is merely slight swelling of llie 
suspensory ligament in a limited spot usually near its bifurcation, 
or sometimes in one division only close above the sesamoid bone to 
which it is attached. The horse can stand readily on that leg> 
but on being trotted he limps a good deal. Sometimes, however, 
there is a swelling of the feet without lameness, but in this case. 
the enlargement is generally due to an effusion of serum into the 
cellular Lovering jf the liganvnt, and n^t to an aclual strai^.^. of its 
fibres. — The treatment will depend greatly upon the extent of the 
mischief; if there is no great injury done, and the enlargement 
is chiefly from eff"usion of serum, rest and cold applications by 
means of bandages or otherwise will in th'e course of two or three 
months efi"ect'a cure. Generally, however, the case will last six 
or eight months before the ligament recovers its tone ; and in a 
valuable horse no attempt should be made to work him before that 
time. Where the swelling is small, as it generally is, bandages 
have no power over it, as the projection of the flexor tendons keeps 
the pressure off the injured part. Here, dipping the leg in a 
bucket of water every hour will be of far more service than a 
bandage, and the sudden shock of the cold water will be doubly 
efficacious. After all heat has disappeared the biniodide of 
mercury may be used as a blister two or three times, and then the 
horse may either be turned out, or put into a loose box for three 
or four months, after which walking exercise will complete the 
cure. 

STRAIN OF THE BACK SINEWS. 

In tuts accident the position of the leg is the same as in 
strain of the suspensory ligament, and there is no giving way of 
the joints. The flexor tendons are enlarged, hot, and tender, and 
there is great lameness, the horse having the power to flex tlie joints 
below the knee, but resolutely objecting to extend them, by bearing 
what little weight is unavoidable upon his toe. The case is often 
confounded with a " breakdown," but it may readily bo di-'tin- 
guished by the fact that in the latter the joints give way on putting 
the weight upon them, whilst in mere strains they do not, and 
the tendency is to the opposite extreme. Frequently after a bad 
strain of the flexor tendons, the fetlock is "over shot," or beyond 
the upright, in con.sequence of the continued flexion of the joint, 
to prevent pressure upon the injured fibres, and in the manage- 
aient this result should be carefully guarded against. The injury 



36 THE iiok.se. 

is generally confined to the sheath of the tendons, which in mont 
cases j^radually puts on an inflammatory condition fur some time 
before actual lameness is observed. In bad cases, however, the 
ligamentous fibres which are given off by the posterior carpal 
ligament to the flexor tendons are ruptured, greatly increasing the 
amount of inflammation and subsequent loss of strength. In any 
iiasc the tendon feels spongy, and slightly enlarged, and there is 
more or less soreness on pressure and on being trotted, but in the 
latter case exercise removes the tenderness, and very often tempo- 
rarily causes an absorption of the effused fluid, which is again 
deposited during rest. This state of things goes on for a time, the 
groom doing all in his power to alleviate it by wet bandages, &c., 
but at last a severe race or gallop brings on an extra amount of 
inflammation, with or without actual strain of the fibres of the 
tendon, and then there can be no doubt about the propriety of 
rest and severe treatment. It often happens that both legs are 
slightly affected, but one being more tender than the other, the 
horse attempts to save it by changing legs, the consequence of 
which is that the comparatively sound tendons are strained, and 
he returns to his stable with both legs in a bad state, but with one 
of them requiring immediate attention. — The treatment should be 
by lucal bleeding (from the arm, thigh, or toe), followed at first by 
warm fomentations, and in a few days by cold lotions. A high- 
heeled shoe (called a patten) should be put on the foot, so as to 
allow the horse to rest part of the weight upon the heel without 
distressing the tendon, and this will have a tendency to prevent 
him from over shooting at the fetlock joint, which he will other- 
wise be very apt to do from constantly balancing his leg on the toe. 
After three or four days the hot fomentations will have done what 
is wanted, and a cold lotion may be applied by means of a loose 
linen bandage. The best is composed as follows: — 

Take of Muriate of Ammonia 2 oz. 

Vinegar \ pint. 

Methylated Spirit of Wine . . . . \ pint. 

Water 2 quarts. Mix. 

With this the bandage should be kept constantly wet, the applica- 
tion being continued for a fortnight at least, during which time 
the patient must be kept cool, by lowering his food, and giving 
him a dose of physic. At the end of three weeks or a month 
from the accident, the leg must be either blistered or fired, tbe 
choice depending upon the extent of injury, and the desire to avoid 
a blemish if such a feeling exists. The former is the more effica. 
eious plan no doubt, but blistering will frequently suffice in mild 
cases. If, however, the tendons at the end of a month continue 
greatly enlarged, a cure can hardly be expected without the use of 
the " irons." 



BREAKING DOWN. 37 



BREAKING DOWN. 

Great confusion exists anions^ trainers as to the exact nature 
t)f* this accident, which is considered by the veterinary surgeon to 
consist in an actual rupture of the suspensory ligament either 
tJove or below the sesamoid bones, which, in fact, merely sepai'ato 
this apparatus of suspension into two portions, just as the patella 
intervenes between the rectus femoris and the tibia. Whichever 
part of the suspensory apparatus is gone (whether the superior or 
infeii.or F.esamoidal ligament is immaterial), the fetlock and pastern 
joints lose their whole inelastic support ; and the flexor tendons, 
together with their ligamentous fibres which they receive from the 
cat pus, giving way, as they must do, to allow of the accident 
taking place, the toe is turned up, and the fetlock joint bears 
upon the ground. This is a complete " break down ;" but there 
are many cases in which the destruction of the ligamentous fibres 
is not complete, and the joint, though much lowered, does not 
actually touch ihe ground. These are still called breaks down, 
and must be regarded as such, and as quite distinct from strains 
of tlie flexor tendons. The accident generally occurs in a tired 
horse, when the flexor muscles do not continue to support the liga- 
ments, from which circumstance it so often happens in the last 
few strides of a race. The st/mptoms are a partial or entire giving 
way of the fetlock joint downwards, so that the back of it either 
touches the ground, or nearly so, when the weight is thrown upon 
it. Usually, however, after the horse is pulled up, he hops on 
three legs, and refuses altogether to put that which is broken down 
to the ground. In a very few minutes the leg " fills" at the seat 
of the accident, and becomes hot and very tender to the touch. 
There can, therefore, be no doubt as to the nature of the mischief, 
and the confusion to which allusion has been made is one of name« 
rather than of facts. Treatment can only be directed to a partial 
recovery from this accident, for a horse broken down in the sense 
in which the term is here used can only bt used for stud purposes 
or at slow farm work. A patten shoe should at once be put ou 
after bleeding at the toe to a copious extent, and then fomenta- 
tions followed by cold lotions should be applied, as directed in the 
last section. As there must necessarily bo a deformity of the leg, 
(here can be no objection on that score to firing, and when the 
severe inflammation following the accident has subsided this opera- 
tion should be thoroughly performed, so as to afford relief not only 
by the counter irritation which is set up, and which lasts only for 
a time, but by (he rigid and unyielding ease which it leaves behind 
for a series )f yearis. 

21 



38 THE HORSE 



STRAINS OF THE HIP JOINT, STIFLE, AND HOCK. 

Tbe hip joint, or round bone, is liable to be strained by 
the hind feet slipping and being stretched apart, or by blows 
against the side of the stall, when cast, which are not sufficient to 
dislocate the femur, but strain its ligaments severely. The conse- 
quence is an inflammation of the joint, which is evidenced by a 
.iropping of one hip in going, the weight being thrown more upon 
the sound side than upon the other. This is especi;i]ly remarkable 
on first starting, the lameness soon going oiF in work, but return- 
ing after rest. The case, however, is a rare one, and its descrip- 
tion need not, therefore, occupy much of our space. When it does 
happen, it is very apt to lead to a w.isting of the deep muscles of 
the haunch, which nothing but compulsory work will restore to a 
healthy condition. The only treatment necessary in the early 
stage of strain of the hip joint is rest and cooling diet, &c. ; but, 
after six weeks or two months, a gradual return to work is indis- 
pensable to effect a cure. 

Strains op the stifle, independently of blows, are rare; but 
the latter often are inflicted upon this joint in hunting, leaving 
little evidence externally, so that it is almost always doubtful 
whether the injury is the result of a blow or strain. The iti/mj)toms 
are a swelling and tenderness of the joint, which can be ascer- 
tained by a careful examination ; and on trotting the horse, there 
is manifested a difficulty or stiffness in drawing forward the hind 
log under the belly. The treatment must be by bleeding and 
physicking in the early stage, together with hot fomentations to the 
part, continued every hour until the heat subsides. After a- few 
days, if the joint is still painful, a large blister should be applied, 
or, what is still better, a seton should be inserted in the skin 
adjacent. 

The hock itself is liable to strain, independently of the pecu- 
liar accident known as "curb." When it occurs, there is some 
heat ol the part, with more or less lameness, and neither spavin, 
thoroughpin, nor curb to account for them. The injury is seldom 
severe, and may be relieved by fomentations for a day or two, 
followed by cold lotions, as presented at page 320, foi strain of the 
haek sinews. 

CURB. 

The lower tart of the posterior surface of the os cnlciH 
is firmly united to the cuboid and external metatarsal bone by two 
strong ligamentous bands, called the calcaneo-cuboid and caleaneo- 
metatarsal ligaments. The centre of these ligaments is about 
Beven or eight inches below the point of the hock, and when a solit 
but elastic swelling suddenly makes its appearance there, it ma^ 



CURB. 39 

with certainly be asserted that a " curb" has been thrown out. The 
accident occurs somewhat suddenly ; but the swelling and inflam- 
mation do not always show themselves until after a night's rest 
when the part is generally enlarged, hot, and tender. The precise 
extent of the strain is of little consequence ; for whatever its 
nature, the treatment should be sufficiently active to reduce llie 
ligaments to their healthy condition. Some horses have naturally the 
head of the external small metatarsal bone unusually large, and 
(he hock so formed that there is an angle between the large meia- 
tarsal bone and the tarsus, leaving a prominence, which, howeveij 
is hard and bony, and not soft and elastic, as is the case with carb. 
Such hocks are generally inclined to throw out curbs; but there 
are many exceptions, and some of the most suspicious-looking 
joints have been known to stand sound for years. Curbs are seldom 
thrown out by very old horses, and usually occur between the com- 
mencement of breaking-in and the seventh or eighth year, though 
they are not unfrequently met with in the younger colt, being occa- 
sioned by his gambols over hilly ground. The treatment sliould 
at first be studiously confined to a reduction of the inflammation ; 
any attempt to procure absorption till this is efiected being inju- 
rious in the extreme. If there is much heat in the part, blood 
may be taken from the thigh vein, the corn should be removed, 
and a dose of physic given as soon as practicable. The curb 
should then be kept wet (by means of a bandage lightly applied) 
with the lotion recommended at page 316 for capped hocks, and 
this should be continued until the inflammation is entirely gone. 
During this treatment, in bad cases, a patten shoe should be kept 
on, so as to keep the hock as straight as possible, and thus take 
the strain off" the ligaments which are aflfected. After the pari 
has become cool, it may be reduced in size, by causing absorption 
to be set up ; which is best effected by the application of mercury 
and iodine (both of which possess that power), in such a shape as 
to cause a blister of the skin. The biniodide of mercurj' ha-s this 
double advantage, and there is no application known to surgery 
which will act equally well in effecting the absorption of a curb. 
It should be appliod in the mode recommended at page 300, an<l 
again rubbed on at an interval of about a week, for three or four 
times in succession, when it will generally be found that the ab- 
sorption of the unnatural swelling is effected ; but the ligaments 
remain as weak as before, and nothing but exercise (not too severe, 
or it will inflame them again) will strengthen them sufficiently to 
prevent a return. Friction with the hand, aided by a slightly 
stimulating oil (such as neat's-foot and turpentine mixed, or neat's, 
loot and oil of origanum, or, in fact, any stimulating essential oil), 
will tend to strengthen the ligaments, by exciting their vessels to 
throw out additional fibres; and iu course of time a curb may be 



40 THE HORSE. 

considered to be sufficiently restored to render it tolerably safe tc 
use the horse again in the same way which originally produced it. 

DISLOCATION. 

Bi Dislocation is meant the forcible removal of the end of a 
bone from the articulating surface which it naturally occupies, 
111 the horse, from the strength of his ligaments, the accident is 
not common ; those that do occur being chiefly in the hip joint, 
and in that between the patella and the end of the femur. 

Dislocation of the hip joint is known by the rigidity of 
the hind leg, which cannot be moved in any direction, and ia 
carried by the horse when he is compelled to attempt to alter his 
position. There is a flatness of the haunch below the hip, but 
the crest of the ilium is still there, and by this the accident 
may be diagnosed from fracture of that part. No treatment is of 
the slightest avail, as the part cannot be reduced, and the horse 
is useless except for stud purposes. The accident is not very 
common. 

Dislocation of the patella sometimes becomes habitual, 
occurring repeatedly in the same horse, apparently from a spas- 
modic contraction of the external vastus muscle, which draws the 
patella outwards, and out of the trochlea formed for it in the 
lower head of the femur. When the cramp goes off, the patella 
drops into its place again as soon as the horse moves, and no 
treatment is required. Occasionally, however, the dislocation is 
more complete, and nothing but manual dexterity will replace the 
bone in its proper situation. Great pain and uneasiness are 
expressed, and the operator must encircle the haunch with his 
arms and lay hold of the patella with both hands, while an assist- 
ant drags forward the toe, and thus relaxes the muscles which are 
inserted in it. By forcibly driving the patella into its place it 
may be lifted over the ridge which it has passed, and a snap 
announces the reduction. 

WOUNDS OF JOINTS. 

The knee is the joint most frequently suffering from wound, 
being liable to be cut by a fall upon it, if the ground is rough ; 
and if the accident takes place when the horse is going at a rapid 
pace, the skin, ligaments, and tendons may be worn through by 
friction against the plain surface of a smooth turnpike road. 
Whether the joint itself is injured, or only the skin, the accident 
is called a " broken knee," and for convenience sake it will be 
well to c\:)nsider both under the present head. 

When a broken knee consists merely in an abrasion of the 
fikin, the attention of the groom is solely directed to the restora- 
tion of the hair, which will grow again as well as ever, 11' the 



VrOUNDS OF JOINTS. 41 

Imlbs or roots are not injured. These are situated m the internal 
layer of the tiue skin, and therefore, whenever there is a smooth 
red surface displayed, without any difference in the texture of its 
parts, a confident hope may be expressed that tliere will he no 
blemish. If the skin is penetrated, either the glistening surfaco 
of the tendons or ligaments is apparent, or there is a ?oft layer of 
cellular membrane, generally containing a fatty cell or two in I he 
middle of the wound of the skin. Even here, by proper treat 
mcnt, the injury may be repaired so fully, that the space uncovere<l 
by hair cannot be recognised by the ordinary observer, and not 
by any on(^, without bending the knee and looking very carefully 
at it. The best treatment is to foment the knee well with warm 
water, so as to remove every particle of grit or dirtj go on with 
this every hour during the first day, and at night apply a bran 
poultice to the knee, which should be left on till ihe next morn- 
ing. Then cleanse the wound, and apply a little spermaceti oint- 
ment, or lard without salt, and with this keep the wound pliant 
until it heals, which if slight it will in a few days. If the skin is 
pierced there will generally be a growth above it of red flabby 
granulations, which should be carefully kept down to its own 
level (not beneath it), by the daily use of blue stone, or if neces- 
sary of nitrate of silver. As soon as the wound is perfectly 
healerl, if the horse can be spared, the whole front of the knee 
and skin should be dressed with James' blister, which will bring 
off the hair of the adjacent parts, and also encourage the growth 
of that injured by the fall. In about three weeks or a month 
from its application, the leg will pass muster, for there will be no 
difference in the color of the old and new hair as there would 
have been without the blister, and the new will also have come 
on more quickly and perfectly than it otherwise would. 

When the joint itself is opened the case is much more 
Berious, and there is a risk not only of a serious blemish, which 
can seldom be avoided, but of a permanent stiffness of the leg, the 
mischief sometimes being sufficient to lead to constitutional fever, 
and the local inflammation going on to the destruction of the joint 
by anchylosis. The treatment should be directed to cleanse and 
then close the joint, the former object being carried out by a 
careful ablution with warm water, continued until there is lao 
doubt of all the dirt and grit having been removed. Then, if 
there is only a very small opening in the capsular ligament, it 
may be closed by a careful and light touch of a pointed iron 
lieated to a red heat. Generally, however, it is better to apply 
Bome dry carded cotton to the wound, and a bandage over this, 
leaving all on for four or five days, when it may be removed and 
reapplied. The horse should be bled largely and physicked, taking 
care to prevent all chance of his lying down by racking him up 



42 THE HORSE. 

He will seldom attempt to do this, on account of tlie pain occa- 
'iioned in bending the knee, but some animals will disregard tbia 
when tired, and will go down somehow. When the cotton ifl 
reapplied, if there are granulations above the level of the skin, 
they must be kept down as recommended in the last paragraph, 
and the subsequent treatment by blister may be exactly the same. 
J3y these means a very extensive wound of the knee may be often 
speedily cured, and the blemish will be comparatively trifling. 

The knee is sometimes punctured by a thorn in hunting, 
causing great pain and lameness. If it can be felt externally, it 
is well t ) cut down upon it and remove it; but groping in the dark 
with the knife among important tendons in front of the knee is 
not on any account to be attempted. The knee should be well 
fomented, five or six times a day, until the swelling, if there is 
any, subsides, and, in process of time, the thorn will either show 
its base, or it will gradually free itself from its attachments and lie 
beneath the skin, from which position it may be safely extracted 
with the knife. 



CHAPTER III. 
DISEASES OF THE THORACIC ORGANS AND THEIR APPENDAGES. 

General Remarks — Catarrh — Influenza or Distemper — Bronchitis 
— Chronic Cough — Laryngitis — Roarings Whistlings Etc. — 
Pneumonia and Congestion of the Lungs — Pleurisy — Pleuru- 
dynia — Phthisis — Broken Wind — Thick Wind — Spasm of tht 
Diaphragm — Diseases of the Heart — Diseases of the Blood Vcs- 
sids in the Chest and Nose. 

GENERAL REMARKS. 

Tfie IMPORTANCE OF SOUNDNESS in ^he respiratory apparatus 
is so fully recognised, that in common ^?or /7a wee it is put before the 
organs of locomotion, a popular expression being "sound, wind and 
limb." It is true that good wind is useless without legs; but tlu 
diseases of the latter are known to be more under control thao 
those of the chest, and hence it is, perhaps, that the wind is sc 
earef'jlly scrutinized by all purchasers of horses. There is, also, 
much greater difficulty in ascertaining the condition of the lungs 
and their appendages, and the ordinary observer can only judge 
of them by an absolute trial ; while the state of the legs may be 
Been and felt, and that of the feet can be tolerably well ascertained 
by a very short run upon hard ground. So, also, with the acute 
diseases of these parts; whih iho legs and feet manifest the 



CATARRH. 43 

Klightest inflammation going on in them by swelling and heat, the 
air-passages may be undergoing slow but suie destruction, withort 
giving (tut any sign that can be detected by any one but the prac- 
tised veterinarian. In most of the diseases of the chest there i8 
disturbance of the breathing, even during a state of rest ; but in 
some of them, as in roaring, for instance, no such evidence is 
afforded, and the disease can only be detected by an examinatinn 
during, or immediately after, a severe gallop. 

CATARRH, OR COLD. 

Catarrh mny be considered under two points of view ; either 
as an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nasal cavities, 
accompanied by slight general fever ; or as an ephemeral fever of 
three or four days duration, complicated with this condition of the 
nose. The latter is, perhaps, the more scientific definition, but 
for common purposes it is more convenient to consider it as mainly 
consisting in the most prominent symptom. There is invariably 
some degree of feverish ness, sometimes very considerable, at others 
so slight as to be easily passed over. Usually the pulse is accele- 
rated to about forty or fifty, the appetite is impaired, and there is 
often sore throat, with more or less cough. On examining the 
interior of the nostrils, they are more red than natural, at first dry 
and swollen, then bedewed with a watery discharge which soon 
becomes yellow, thick, and, in bad cases, purulent. The eyes are 
generally involved, their conjunctival coat being injected with 
blood, and often some slight weeping takes place, but there is 
always an expression of sleepiness or dulness, partly owing to the 
local condition of the organ, and partly to the general impairment 
of the health. The disease is caused in most instances by a chill, 
either in the stable or out, but sometimes, even in the mildest form 
it appears to be epidemic. The treattnent will greatly depend upon 
the severity of the seizure ; usually, a bran-mash containing fron» 
six drachms to one ounce of powdered nitre in it, at night, for two 
or three consecutive periods, will sufiice, together with the abstrac- 
tion of corn, and, if the bowels are confined, a mild dose of physio 
v,h()uld be given. In more severe cases, when there is cough and 
CDnsiderable feverishness, a ball composed of the following ingro* 
dients may be given every night : — 

Take of Nitrate of Potass 2 drachms. 

TMrtarized Antimony 1 draclim. 

J'owdered Digitalis I drachm. 

Camphor \h drachm. 

Linseed meal and boiling water enough to make into a ball. 

If the throat is sore, an embrocation of equal parts of oil, tur- 
pentine, tincture of cantharides, and hartshorn, may be rubbed in 
night and moruin^;. 



44 THE HORSE. 

lohoulJ the disease extend to the bronchial tubes, or substance 
of the lungs, the treatment for bronchitis or pneumonia must bn 
adopted. 

The stable should be kept cool, taking care to make up for the 
difference in temperature by putting on an extra rug; water should 
be allowed ad libitum, and no corn should be given. 

Sometimes the discharge becomes chronic, and it is then known 
by the name ozena. 



INFLUENZA, OR DISTEMPER. 

This may be considered to be an epidemic catarrh, but the 
sj'mptoms are generally more severe and leave greater prostration 
of strength behind them. They also require more careful treat- 
ment, which must be specially adapted to the attack, for remedies 
which will arrest the disease in one year will totally fail the next 
time that the epidemic prevails. The fever of late years has had 
a tendency to put on the typhoid type, and bleeding, which for- 
merly was often beneficial, is now completely forbidden. The symp- 
toms are at first similar to those already described as pertaining to 
common catarrh, but after a few days the accompanying fever is 
more severe than usual, and does not abate at the customary period. 
The appetite is altogether lost, and the appearance of the patierit 
is characteristic of severe disease rather than of a trifling cold. It 
is, however, chiefly from the fact that a number of horses are seized 
with similar symptoms, either at the same time or rapidly follow- 
ing one another, that the disease is recognised. It usually prevails 
in the spring of the year, or in a wet and unhealthy autumn. 
Sometimes almost every case runs on to pneumonia, at others the 
bronchial mucous membrane alone is attacked; but in all there is 
extreme debility in proportion to the apparent nature of the disease. 
The ordinary appearances exhibited in recent epidemics have been 
as follows : — The first thing observed is a general slight shivering, 
accompanied by a staring coat. The pulse is weak, and slightly 
accelerated, but not to any great extent ; the mouth feels hot ; the 
eyes and the nostrils are red ; the belly is tucked up ; there is no 
appetite; cough, to a varying extent, begins to show itself; and 
there is generally a heaving of the flanks. The legs and f^Qt are 
not cold as in pneumonia, but beyond this they aflord no positive 
gigns The cellular membrane around the eyes, and of the legs, 
^enerall^' swells about the second day, and often the head and 
limbs become quite shapeless from this cause. In the early stauo 
the bowels are often relaxed, but afterwards they are as fre(|ueMtly 
Eonfined. Sore throat is a very common complication, l>ut it i.s not 
by any means an invariable attendant on influenza. It is, however, 



INFLUENZA— BRONCHITIS. 45 

riomewhat diflScult to ascertain its existence, as in any case there 
is no appetite for food. The treatment should be conducted oh the 
principle uf iiusbanding the strength, and, unless urgent symptoms 
of inflarniuition show themselves, the less that is dorc the better. 
If the trachea or larynx is involved only slightly, o winter irrita- 
tion, by means of a liquid blister, must be tried, without resorting 
CO strong internal medicines ; but if serious mischief ensues, the 
case must, to a certain extent, be treated as it would be when 
3oming on without the complication of influenza, always taking 
care to avoid bleeding, and merely acting on the bowels by gentle 
aperients, and on the skin and kidnej^s by the mildest diaphoretic and 
diuretic. The following is the ordinary plan of treatment adopted : 

Take of Spirit of Nitric Ether .1 ounce, 

liaiulanum 4 drachms. 

Nitrate of Potass 3 drachms. 

Water 1 pint. 

Mix, and give as a drench night and morning. 

By constantly oflPering to the horse thin gruel (taking care thut 
it does not become sour), and no plain water, sufficient nourish- 
ment may be given, as his thirst will induce him to drink. 

During the stage of convalescence the greatest care must be 
taken. At first, as soon as the cough has somewhat subsided, a 
mild stomachic ball will be desirable, such as 

Take of Extract of Gentian 6 drachms. 

I'owdered Ginger 2 drachms. Mix. 

Afterwards, if the case goes on ilivorably, and the appetite returns, 
the restoration may be left to nature, giving the horse by degrees 
his usual allowance of corn, and adding to his morning and evening 
feed one drachm of sulphate of iron in fine powder. It must not be 
attempted to give this until the appetite is pretty keen, or the horse 
will be disgusted, and will probably refuse his corn altogether. 

Should typhoid symptoms be clearly established, the case must 
be treated accordins; to the directions hereafter laid down for 
typhus fever. 

BRONCHITIS. 

BaONCniTis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane lining 
(he bronchi, and almost invariably extending to these parts through 
the trachea, from the larynx and nasal passages, which are pri- 
mal ily affected as in ordinary cold. The membrane in the early 
stage becomes filled with blood, and as a consequence the diameter 
of the tubes is diminished, attended by some difficulty and in- 
creased rapidity of breathing. After a time a frothy mucus is 
poured out from it, and this still further interferes with respira- 
ti(m,. and necessitates a constant cough to get rid of it. Thes^t 
iymptoms are always present, but they will vary greatly in iuten- 



46 THE noRSE. 

Bity, and in the rapidity viitli which the} progress, from which cir- 
cumstances bronchitis is said to be acute or chronic^ as the case 
may be. hi the acute form there are also several variations, and 
veterinary writers are in the habit of again subdividing it into 
acute and sub acute, but the two leading divisions are sufficient 
for aM practical purposes. It begins with the usual premonitory 
appearances of a severe cold, accompanied by a staring coat, and 
entire loss of appetite. The breathing is somewhat quicker than 
natural, and the pulse is raised to sixty or seventy. The legs re- 
main of the usual temperature, and there is a hard dry cough, the 
lining membrane of the nostrils being intensely red, and in severe 
cases dry and swollen. On auscultation there is a dry rattling 
sound, very different from the crepitation of pneumonia, and a? 
soon as mucus is secreted, succeeded by gurgling, and soap-bubble 
sounds, easily distinguished when once heard. If the attack goes 
on favorably, the cough becomes loose, and there is a free dis- 
charge of mucus, both from the lungs, as evidenced from the 
nature of the cough, and from the nostrils, as shown by the run- 
ning from them. On the other hand, the prognosis is unfavorable 
when the breathing is very laborious, with the legs extended, and 
the cough constant and ineffectual in affording relief. Should no 
relief be afforded, death takes place a week or ten days after the 
onset of the disease, from suffocation. Tlie treatment should de- 
pend greatly upon the urgency of the inflammation, which only ar» 
experienced eye can judge of. If slight, nitre and tartar emetic 
internally, and a blister (to one or both sides, according to the 
extent of bronchi involved), will suffice, but in very severe cases 
blood must be taken at the onset, or it will be impossible to control 
the inflammation. Bleeding should be avoided if it is judged 
prudent to do so, for of late years the type of diseases has changed 
BO much in the horse, that he is found to bear loss of blood badly. 
Nevertheless, it is not wise to lay down the rule that it is never 
desirable. The bowels must be acted on by the ordinary physic 
ball, resorting to raking and clysters, if the time cannot be affoidcd 
for the usual laxative preparation. For the special control of the 
morbid state of the membrane the following ball will be found 
advantageous : — 

Take cf Dijxitalis \ drachm. 

Calomel 5 drachm. 

Tartar Emetic 60 to 80 grains. 

Nitre 2 drachms. 

Mix ;\-iih treacle, and give twice a day. 

Should the disease continue after the blister is healed, a large seton 
may be put in one or both sides with advantage. 

Chronic bronchitis seldom exists except as a sequel to the 
acute form, and after adopting the balls recommended for thai 



CHROXrO COUGH. 47 

state, it may be treated by attention to the general health, a seton 
in tho side, and the exhibition of an expcctoraut ball twice a day, 
souiposcd of the following materials : — ■ 

Take of Gum Ammoniacnra | ounce. 

Powdered Squill 1 drachm. 

Castile Soap ' , . . 2 drachms. 

Mix and make into a ball. 

CIIKONTO COUGIT. 

Bv Tnis TERM is understood a con^h that comes on wilhout 
any fever or evidences of the horse having taken cold. It differs 
in this respect from chronic bronchitis, which generally supervenes 
upon the acute form, and is always attended in the early stage by 
feverishness. It appears probable that chronic cough is dependcirt 
upon an unnatural stimulus to the mucous membrane, for it almost 
always makes its appearance when much 3orn is given without due 
preparation, and ceases on a return to green food. It is, therefore, 
very commonly termed a stomach cough. The symptoms are all 
summed up in the presence of a dry cough, which is seldom mani- 
fested while in the stable, but comes on whenever the breathing is 
hastened by any pace bej^ond a walk. Two or three coughs are 
then given, and the horse perhaps is able to go on with his work, 
but after resting for a few minutes, and again starting, it comes on 
again, and annoys the rider or driver by its tantalizing promise of 
disappearance followed by disappointment. Very often this kind 
of cough is caused by the irritation of worms, but any kind of dis- 
order of the digestive organs appears to have the power of pro- 
ducing it. The usual treatment for chronic bronchitis seems herv? 
to be quite powerless, and the only plan of proceeding likely to be 
attended with success, is to look for the cause of the irritation, and 
remove it. Sometimes this will be found in a hot stable, the horse 
having previously been accustomed to a cool one. Here the altera- 
tion of the temperature by ten or fifteen degrees will in a few days 
effect a cure, and nothing else is required. Again, it may be that 
(he corn has been overdone, in which case a gentle dose of physic, 
followed by a diminished allowance of corn, and a bran-mash twice 
a week, will be successful. If the stomach is much disordered, 
green food will be the best stimulus to a healthy condition, or in 
its absence a few warm cordial balls may be tried. The existence 
3f worms should be ascertained in doubtful cases, and if they are 
present, the proper remedies must be given for their removal, 
j.inseed ">il and spirit of turpentine, which are both excellent worm 
remedich, are highly recommended in chronic cough, and whether 
or not their good effect is due to their antagonism to worms, they 
may be regarded as specially useful. 

A very successful conribiuation is the following mixture : — 



48 THE HORSE. 

Take of Spirit of Turpentine . . 2 ounce'!. 

Mucilage of Acacia . . .-6 ounces. 

Gum Ammoniacum . . . ^ ounce. 

Laudanum .4 ounces. 

Water 2 quart?. 

]\Iix, and give half-a-pint as a drench every night : the bottle mail be 
well shaken before pouring out the close. 

LARYNGITIS, ROARING, WHISTLING, &c. 

One of the most common diseases among \\ell-bred horses of 
the present day, is the existence of some mechanical impediment 
to the passage of the air into the lungs, causing the animal to 
" make a noise." The exact nature of the sound has little or no 
practical bearing on the cause that produces it; that is to say, it 
cannot bo predicated that roaring is produced by laryngitis; nor 
that whistling is the result of a palsy of some particular muscle, 
but undoubtedly it may safely be asserted that all lesions of the 
larynx, by which the shape and area of its opening (rima glottidis) 
are altered and diminished, are sure to have a prejudicial effect 
upon the wind, and either to produce roaring, whistling, wheezing, 
or trumpeting, but which would result it might be difficult to say, 
although the precise condition of the larynx were known, which it 
cannot be during life. Until recently veterinary surgeons were 
puzzled by often finding on examination of a roarer's larynx after 
death no visible organic rhange in the opening, and many were led 
to imagine that this part could nut be the seat of the disease. On 
a careful dissection, however, it is found that a muscle or muscles 
whose office it is to dilate the larynx is wasted and flabby (crico- 
arytenoideus lateralis and thyro-arytenoideus). The other muscles 
are perhaps equally atrophied, but as their office is to close the 
opening, their defects are not equally injurious, and at all events 
are not shown by producing an unnatural noise. The cause of this 
wasting is to be looked for in pressure upon the nerve which sup- 
pfuis these muscles, and which passes through an opening in the 
posterior ala of the thyroid cartilage, so that whatever causes a dis- 
I laccment of that part will mechanically aff'ect the nerve. For 
these several reasons it will be necessary to examine first of all into 
the several kinds of inflammation, &c., to which the lary ix is sub- 
ject, and then to investigate as far as we may, the nature, mode 
ol detection, and treatment of the several conditions known to 
horsemen by the names of roaring, whistling, &c., which are onlj 
symptoms of one or other of the diseases to which allusion will 
presently be made. 

I3y acute laryngitis is meant a more than ordinary inflam- 
mation of the larynx, and not that slightly morbid condition iu 
which the mucous membrane of that organ is always involved in 
" the passage of a cold into the chest." In thf» latter state the ear 



CnRONIC LARTNGITIS. 49 

delects no unusual sound, and indeed there is plenty of rooni for 
the air to pass. But in true laryngitis, on placing the ear near the 
tlirout, a harsh raspin^g sound is heard, which is sufficient at once 
to show the nature and urgency of the symptoms. The mucous 
membrane is swollen, and tinged with blood; the rima glottidis is 
almost closed, and the air in passing through it produces the sound 
above described, which, however, is sometimes replaced by a stridu- 
1,,'us or hissing one. In conjunction with this well-marked symp- 
U>m there is always a hoarse cough of a peculiar character, and 
•some considerable fever, with frequent respiration, and a hard, wiry 
pulse of seventy to eighty. The treatment must be of the most 
active kind for not only is life threatened, but even if a fatal result 
does not take place, there is great danger of permanent organic 
mischief to the delicate apparatus of the larynx, generally from the 
effusion of lymph into the submucous cellular membrane. A full 
bleeding should at once be practised, and repeated at the end of 
vwelve hours if there is no relief afforded and the pulse still con- 
tinues hard. 'I'he hair should be cut off the throat, and the tinc- 
ture of ciintharides brushed on in a pure state until a blister arises, 
when the part may be constantly well fomented, to encourage the 
discharge. Large doses of tartar emetic, calomel, and digitalis, 
must also be given, but their amount and frequency should be left 
to an exper'.enced veterinarian, the preliminary bleeding and blis- 
tering being done in his absence to save time. It is a case in 
which medicine must be pushed as far as can be done with safety, 
and this cannot well be left to any one who is not well acquainted 
with its effects, and with the powers of the animal economy. Gruel 
is the only food allowed during the acute stage, and there is seldom 
time to have recourse to aperient physic until the urgent symp- 
toms are abated, when an ordinary dose may be given. During 
convalescence the greatest care must be taken to prevent a re- 
lapse, by avoiding all excitement either by stimulating food or fast 
exercise. 

Chronic laryngitis may occur as the result of the acute form 
above described, or it may come on gradually, without any violent 
inflammation preceding it. in either case the siymptoms are simi- 
lar in their nature to those met with in the acute form, but less in 
degiee. The noise made is not nearly so harsh, and can often 
hardly be heard on the most careful exaniination. The peculiai 
harsh, grating cough is, however, always present, and by it the 
nature of the case may generally be easily made out. The disease 
often accompanies strangles, although in nine cases out of ten ii 
is overlooked by the careless attendant. Very commonly, how- 
ever, it makes its ravages in so insidious a manner that no suspi- 
cion is felt of its presence, until the horse begins to make a noi^-e, 
though he must in all probability have shown by the cough peculiai 

4 



50 THE HORSE. 

io the eoraplaiut, that it has been working its way for some weeks 
at least. Such cases chiefly occur in the training stable, and are 
due, according to my belief, to the enormous quantity of oats 
which it is now the fashion to give to colts from the earliest period 
of their lives, increased to seven and eight feeds a day during tho 
second year. Continued spirit-drinking has precisely the same 
effect upon the human being, and the harsh stridulous cough of 
the confirmed drunkard marks the existence of ulceration of the 
larynx, in the only way which he will allow it to be displayed, for 
he is not, like the horse, made to exert his powers ^f running, 
whether his wind is good or bad. There is, of course, a consider- 
able difference between the two diseases, but there is sufficient 
analogy between them to explain why the stimulus of over-corning 
should aff"ect the krynx in preference to any other part. It wjuld 
be difficult to show the connection between the two in any other 
way, beyond the simple fact that roaring has become general in an 
exact proportion to the prevalence of the present fashion of feed- 
ing. The advocates of the plan will say that though the two have 
come in together, yet it is merely a coincidence, and not a conse- 
quence the one of the other; but if it can be shown that in man 
a similar cause produces a similar effect, the argument is strength- 
ened to such a degree as to be almost unanswerable. But what- 
ever may be the cause there can be no doubt that the treatment is 
most troublesome, and often baffles the skill of the most accom- 
plished veterinarian. Blistering is not so useful as counter-irrita- 
tion by a seton, which must be inserted in the loose skin beneath 
the jaw, as close as possible to the larynx. This alone will do 
much towards the cure, but no pains must be spared to assist its 
action by a cooling regimen, consisting of bran mashes, and if in 
the spring or summer, green food, or in the winter, carrots. Corn 
must be entirely forbidden, and the kidneys should be encouraged 
to act freely by two or three drachms of nitre given in the mash 
twice a day. When the case is very intractable, the nhrate of 
silver may be applied to the part itself by means of a sponge fast- 
ened to a piece of flexible cane or whalebone. The mouth should 
then be kept open with the ordinary balling iron, and the sponge 
rapidly passed to the situation of the top of the larynx, and held 
there for a second, and then withdrawn. I have succeeded in cur- 
ing two obstinnte cases of chronic laryngitis by this plan, but some 
little risk is incurred, as in one of them imminent symptoms of 
Buff'oeaiion presented themselves, but soon went off". I should not, 
therefore, recommend the application exceptin^i; in cases where ill 
other means have failed, and in which there is reason to believe 
that the patient is likely to become a permanent roarer or whistler. 
The nitrate of silver has great power in producing resolution of 
Inflammation in mucous surfaces, and in this disease little of 



ROARING. 51 

Jiothing can be effected by gCDeral measures. The solution should 
be from ten to fifteen grains in the ounce of distilled water. 

E OARING is the bugbear of the purchaser at the hammer, and 
not without good reason. The most experienced veterinarian or 
dealer will often fail to ascertain its existence, in spite of all the 
artifices he may call into play. Not the slightest sound is heard 
during a state of quiescence, or even when the horse is trotted or 
galloped for the short distance which " the ride" will aiford. The 
blow on the side given with due artistic effect elicits no grunt, and 
yet the animal is a confirmed roarer, and not worth a shilling per- 
haps for the purpose to which he is intended to be devoted. On 
the other hand, many a sound horse is condemned as a roarer for 
giving out the obnoxious grunt ; and though there is no doubt 
that this sign may hj relied on in a great many cases, yet it can- 
not be accepted as either negatively or positively a certain proof. 
The only real trial is the noiseless gallop on turf or plough, when 
the ear can detect the slightest sound, and can distinguish its ex- 
act nature, and the precise spot from which it proceeds. Many a 
horse will, when he is excited, make a harsh noise in his breathing, 
accompanied by a kind of " gluck," proceeding from a spasmodic, 
flapping of the velum palati; but on galloping him all this goes 
off, and he may probably exhibit excellent wind Such cases I 
have many times known, and they would be condemned as unsound 
by those who have had little experience, or are content with a 
careless and inefficient trial. Stallions are particularly prone to 
make this kind of noise, and it is extremely difficult to ascertain 
their soundness in this respect by any means which can be safely 
resorted to. The causes of roaring are of three kinds: 1st, In- 
flammation, which has left a thickening or ulceration of the mucoufc 
membrane, or a fungous growth from it; 2d, Paralysis of the mus- 
cles ; and 3d, An alteration of the shape of the cartilages of the 
larynx, produced by tight reining. 

In roaring produced hy an ulcerated or thickened condition of 
the mucous membrane^ or by a fungous growth, the sound elicited 
is always the same in proportion to the rapidity of respiration. 
None of the ordinary expedients by which the breath is introduced 
in a modified stream (such as a full meal, or pressure on the nos- 
trils or windpipe), will be of much avail, and the horse roars 
sturdily whenever his pace is sufficiently accelerated. If a horse 
so afi"ected can be made to grunt by the blow on the side, (he 
sound will always indicate the disease, for it will be harsh and 
rough, and not the natural grunt of the animal. It is usually 
supposed that nc treatment can be of the slightest avail here; but 
I believe that sometimes the continued application of nitrate of 
silver, a.s ror^ommended at page 834, would be followed by a cer- 
tain amoutt of amelioration, the extent of which it is impossible 



52 THE HORSE. 

to jjuoss at without a trial. In any case, when the animal is ren- 
dered almost worthless by disease, it is fair to try experiments 
which are neither expensive nor cruel; and from the eflect of the 
remedy in those cases in which it has been used, I am led to ex- 
pect th;it it may prove beneficial in those of longer standing. 
Scions, blisters, and embrocations are all useless, as has been proved 
in numberless cases; and beyond the palliation which can be 
ifibrded by employing the hor;« only at such a pace as his state 
will allow, nothing else can be suggested. In some cases thr 
roaier will be able to do ordinary harness work, which, however, 
in hot weather, will try him severely; in others he may be so 
slightly affected as to be fit to hunt in a country where, from its 
nature^ the pace is not very severe; but by conlirmed roarers the 
slow work of the cart is all that can be performed without cruelty. 
Where jmraljjuiii of the muscles that open the rima glottidis is 
the seat of the roaring, no plan has yet been suggested which i? 
of the slightest avail. In the first place, it is extremely difficult, 
and indeed almost impossible, to diagnose the affection, and T know 
of no means by which paralysis can be ascertained to exist during 
life. Hence, although it is barely possible that by the use of 
strychnine the nerve might be stimulated into a restoration of its 
functions, yet as the case cannot be ascertained, it is scarcely wise 
to give this powerful drug in the hope that it may by chance hit 
the right nail on the head. This paralytic condition seems chiefly 
to attack carriage horses, and probably arises from the pressure 
made by the over-curved larynx upon the laryngeal nerve as it 
passes through the opening in the thyroid cartilage. Many vete- 
rinary writers have looked to the recurrent branch of the par 
vagum to explaiti the loss of power, but I believe it is rather to 
the laryngeal nerve that the mischief is due. It must be remem- 
bered that carriage-horses are not only reined up for hours while 
doing their daily work out of doors, but they are also often pkccd 
in the same position, or even a more constrained one, by the coach- 
man in the stable, in order to improve their necks. One horse of 
his pair perhaps has naturally a head better set on than the other, 
and he wishes to make nature bend to his wishes by compelling 
the other to do that which the shape of his jaw forbids without a 
sacrifice. The mouthing tackle is put on in the stable with this 
view, and the poor horse is " kept on the bit" for three or foui 
hours early in the morning, during which time his larynx is pressed 
between his narrow jaws into a most unnatural shape. The con- 
sequence is either that the nerve is pressed upon, and the muscles 
to which it is supplied are paralyzed, as in the condition which we 
are now considering, or tlie cartilages are permanently disfigured, 
which is the subject of the next paragraph. When the paialysiii 



ROARING. 53 

is eslablislied, I believe no means but the internal use of stryeh 
nine are at all likely to be beneficial. 

An alteration in the shape of the cartilages, so as to permanently 
change their form, is, I believe, the least common of all the causcH 
of roiring. Pressure for a very^ long time will be required to 
c-rfcct this, and far more than sufl&ces to paralyze the nerve. Cabe?, 
however, are recorded, and the parts have been preserved, so that 
there can be no doubt of their occasional occurrence. No treat- 
nienf ran be of the slightest service. 

Although roaring, in all its varieties, may be said to be generally 
incurable, yet it may be greatly palliated by general attention to 
the state of the lungs and stomach, by proper food, and by the 
use, while the horse- is at work, of a special contrivance, of a 
most ingenious nature, published by Mr. Reeve, of Camberwell, 
in the Veterinarian for 1858, but said to have been in use for 
many years among the London omnibus and cab men. At all 
events, Mr. Reeve deserves the credit of having laid the matter 
before the profession, and of explaining the true principle upon 
which it acts. He says, in his paper on the subject: "I thought 
it possible to so modify the atmospheric supply to the lungs, that, 
during exercise, the volume of air, when it arrived at the glottis, 
should not exceed that which passed through its opening when the 
horse was tranquil, and which (from the fact of the sound being 
absent) does not at that time produce roaring. A strap was accord- 
ingly made to pass around the nose of the horse, just over the 
region of the false nostrils, and buckle beneath the lower jaw. 
To the inner surface of this strap, and immediately over the false 
nostril on each side, was fixed a body resemblJng in shape the half 
of a hen's egg, cut longitudinally. When applied, these bodies 
pressed upon the triangular spaces formed by the apex of the nasal 
bones and upper jaw, thus closing the false nostrils, and partly 
diminishing the channel of the true ones. The result was tiighly 
gratifying; for the patient, which previously could not travel with- 
out stopping every minute to take breath, now travelled, to all 
appearance, without inconvenience or noise. At first, the strap 
seemed slightly to annoy the horse; and whenever it became dis* 
placed, the roaring would again commence. A slight modification^ 
however, overcame every difficulty : the strap, instead of beirjg 
buckled around and under the jaw, was fastened on each side of 
the bit; and, to prevent its descent, another was carried from its 
centre, and fastened to the front of the harness-bridle.'' Mr 
Uecve asserts that the efi"ect was all he could have wished, and 
that the horse on which he tried the plan, " which previously had 
been entirely useless, now performs his work in a heavy brougham, 
and gives great satisfaction. The roaring is stopped, and, with 
the usual speed, there appears no impediment to respiration '' 



54 IHE HORSE. 

He concludes : "I have paid particular attention to this case, and 
urn inclined to think, that when by the compression we have neu- 
tralized the action of the false nostrils, the object is efiected with- 
oat the necessity of further narrowing the nasal passage/' 

Few people would care to drive a roarer, if they could help it, 
even with the aid of the nasal compress ; but if necessity compels 
such a proceeding, it is well to know how the poor animal ma\ je 
used with least annoyance to himself and his master. 

HiGHBLOWiNG is a perfectly healthy and natural habit, and 
cannot be confounded with roaring by any experienced horseman. 
It is solely confined to the nostrils; and the noise is not produced 
in the slightest degree during inspiration, but solely during the 
expulsion of the air, which is more forcible and rapid than usual, 
and accompanied by a vibratory movement of the nostrils^ which 
is the seat of the noise. Roaring, on the contrary, continues dur- 
ing inspiration, as well as expiration ; and by this simple test the 
two may readily be distinguished. Most highblowers have par- 
ticularly good wind, of which the celebrated Eclipse is an exam- 
ple ; for there is no doubt that he was addicted to the habit. 

Weiistling (and piping, which is very similar to it), are pro- 
duced by the same causes as roaring, in an exaggerated condition. 
Tiius, a roarer often becomes a whistler as the rima glottidis is 
more and more closed by disease; on the other hand, the whistler 
is never converted into a roarer. The noise made is seldom a 
decidedly shrill whistle, but it has more resemblance to that sound 
than to roaring, and the name may well be retained as descriptive 
of it. Whistlers are always in such a state of confirmed disease, 
that treatment is out of the question — indeed, they can only bo 
put to the very slowest kind of work. 

Wheezing is indicative of a contracted condition of the bron- 
chial tubes, which is sometimes of a spasmodic nature, and at 
others is only brought on during occasional attacks after exposure 
to cold. The treatment should be that recommended for chronic 
bronchitis, which is the nature of the disease producing these 
symptoms. 

Trumpeting is not very well defined by veterinary writers, and 
r confess that I have never heard any horse make a noise which 
could be compared to the trumpet, or to the note of the elephant 
so called. 

The question relating to the hereditary nature of roar- 
ing is one which demands the most careful examination before a 
reliable answer can be given to it. It would be necessary to select 
at random a number of roaring sires and dams, and compare their 
stock with that of an equal proportion of sound anin als, which 
would be a Herculean task, beyond the power of any private indi- 
vidual. Nothing short of this could possibly settle the dit-puto; 



PNEUMONIA. 55 

but, as far as opinion goes, it may be assumed that there are strong 
authorities against the hereditary nature of the diseases which pro- 
duce roaring. That it is often the result of ordinary infiamjna- 
fcion, whicli in itself can scarcely be considered hereditary, is plain 
enough ; and that it is also produced by mismanagement in tight 
reining is also admitted, which latter kind can scarcely be supposed 
to be handed down from sire to son; but that it is safer, when 
practicable, to avoid parents with any disease whatever, is patent 
U} all 



PNEUMONIA AND CONGESTION OF THE LUNGS. 

The theoretical definition op pneumonia is that it con- 
sists of inflammation of the parenchyma of the lungs, independently 
both of the mucous lining to the air passages, and of the serous 
covering of the whole mass. The mucous membrane ceases ab- 
ruptly at the terminations of the bronchial subdivisions, and 
consequently the air-cells are not lined with a continuation from 
it. Hence there is an extensive cellulo fibrous area, which may 
be the subject of inflammation, without implicating the mucous 
surftice. Until within the last fifteen or twenty years, it was com- 
monly supposed that the air-cells were all lined by mucous mem- 
brane, and that the parenchyma was confined to an almost infini- 
tcsimally thin structure, tilling up its interstices; but the microscope 
has revealed the true structure of the lungs, and has shown that 
there is a well-founded distinction between bronchitis and pneu- 
monia, upon the ground of anatomy, as well as observation. Still, 
it cannot be denied that the one seldom exists to any great extent, 
or for any long period, without involving the adjacent tissue; and 
oroncho-pneumonia, as well as pleuro-pneumonia, are as common 
as the pure disease. 

Pneumonia, or peripneumony, must be examined, with a 
jicw, first, to its intensity, whether acufe or mh-acute ; and 
4€Condly, as to its eff'ects, which may be of little consequence, or 
they may be so serious as to completely destroy the subsequent 
isefulness of the patient. It is not, therefore, alone necessary to 
pro^ide against death by the treatment adopted, but due care must 
also be taken that the tissue of the lungs is not disorganized by a 
deposition of lymph, or of matter, so as to lead, in the one case, to 
a consolidation of the air-cells, and, in the other, to the formation 



56 THE HORSE. 

of a large abscess, and consequent destruction of substance. The 
former is a very common sequel of pneumonia ; and probably there 
are few attacks of it without being followed by a greater or lesn 
degree of hepatization, by which term the deposit of lyn^yli if» 
known, from its causing the lungs to assume the texture of liver 
(iJTTap). In very severe cases, gangrene of the lungs is induced ; 
but as death almost always speedily follows this condition, it is not 
necessary to consider it, excepting as bearing upon the fatal result. 

The cause of pneumonia may be over-exertion, as in the hunting- 
field, especially in an unprepared horse ; or it may come on as a 
primary disease after exposure to cold ; or it may follow upon 
l)ronchitis when neglected and allowed to run on without clieck. 
In the two first cases it appears to be produced by the great con- 
gestion of blood which takes place in the fine network of vessels of 
which the lungs are in great part composed The blood in tho 
one case is collected by the increased necessity for its aeration with 
a failing circulation, as in over-exhaustion, or in the other it is 
forced inwards upon the vital organs by the chill which the skin 
has received. The capillaries are then roused to act beyond their 
strength, and an inflammatory condition is established as a repara- 
tory effort of nature, which may possibly stop short as soon as the 
object is accomplished, but more frequently goes on beyond this, 
and an attack of pneumonia sets in with more or less intensity, 
according to circumstances. For these reasons, when the lungs 
are evidently congested, no pains should be spared to relieve them 
by causing the skin to act, before the aid of nature is invoked, 
since it can never be certain that she will stop short at the proper 
point. 

CoNCjESTiON OF THE LUNGS is too oftcn neglected and /illowed 
to go on to inflammation. Veterinary surgeons, indeed, are sel- 
dom called in before this stage has run its course and inflammation 
is established. It is true that every hunting man endeavors to 
ascertain all the particulars relating to it, because he is constantly 
in fear of having to treat it, and he would gladly benefit by the 
advice and experience of those more competent to treat it than 
himself But the great mass of horsemastcrs are wholly ignorant 
of its action, and I shall therefore endeavor to lay down instruc 
lions which may be beneficial to those who are so unlucky as to 
have a horse with congested lung.s, either caused by over-exert i<»D 
or by a chill, or by a combination of the two, as most frequently 
happens. 

When a fat " dealer^s horse,'* that is, one made up for sale and 
not for use, is ridden in a sharp burst across country, his lungs are 
most unfortunately tried, for he is not only loaded with blood con- 
taining an excess of stimulating materials (or in a state of plethora, 
ad it is called), but his heart and blood ves'^icls arc not prepared h} 



PNEUMONIA. 57 

picvious exercise to carry on the circulation when unusual demands 
upon them are made. The consequence is that, as soon as ho han 
^one half a dozen miles, he not only tires, but, if pressed, his gal- 
lant spirit carries him on until the blood collects and stagnates iu 
his lungs, from a defect in the circulating apparatus, and he be- 
comes absolutely choked from a want of that decarbonization which 
is necessary to his very existence. Air is taken freel}'^ into his 
lungs, but the circulation almost ceases in them, and in spite of 
hie hurried breathing, as shown by his panting sides, he is almost 
as completely suffocated as if a cord was tied round his neck. On 
examining his eyes and nostrils they are seen to be turgid and 
purj)le^ the vessels being filled with carbonized blood, while the 
heart beats rapidly but feebly, and the countenance is expressive 
of anxiety and distress. In this state many a horseman finds his 
steed every winter, and a pretty dilemma he is in. The question 
of frcdfmeni is a serious one, even to the most experienced in such 
matters, but one thing is quite clear, that the more urgent the 
case the more danger there is in having recourse to the lancet. 
Bleeding to the extent of a few pounds will sometimes relieve a 
trifling case of exhaustion, but in a really severe one it will take 
away the only chance which remains. The best plan is to give the 
animal plenty of air, turn his head to the wind, and if any kind 
of fermented liquor can be obtained, give him a little at once. 
Neat spirits are apt to cause increased distress from spasm of the 
larynx, but it is even better to risk this than to let the exhaustion 
continue If, therefore, the horse is incapable of walking to the 
nearest farm-house or inn, the better plan is to leave him with a 
light covering on him of some kind, and at once proceed to pro- 
cure a (juart of ale or wine, or spirits and water, whichever can be 
obtained the most easily. One or other of these, slightly warmed 
and spiced, if possible, should be poured down his throat, which 
can readily be done, as he has no power to resist, and then in a 
few minutes he may generally be induced to move quietly on to- 
wards the nearest stable. Here he must remain all night if the 
attack is a bad one, or if he recovers soon he may be walked 
quietly home. When he reaches his stable he may be treated 
according to the directions given at page 188, and in the evening 
or the next morning early, if the pulse rises and is hard and jerk- 
ing, he may be bled with advantage, but rarely should this be done 
fnr some hours after the first attack. Congestion is essentially 
produced by debility, and although an abstraction of blood relievea 
the vessels of a part of their load, it increases their weakness in 
a still greater degree, and they are less able to do their work, 
diminished though it may be, than they were before. Hundreds 
id' over-worked horses have been killed by the abuse of the lanc(t 



58 THE HORSE. 

in the huntiug-field, but the principle on which thcii treatment 
Bhould be conducted is better understood now than formerly. 

When congestion shows itself as the result of a chill, (ho 
following aijmptoms are displayed : — First and foremost there is 
rapid and laborious breathing, the horse standing with his legs 
wide apart, his head thrust straight forward, and his flanks heav- 
ing. The skin is generally dry, but if there is any sweat it is a 
cold one. The legs are icy cold, and also the ears. The whites of 
the eyes and lining of the nostrils are of a purplish hue, but not 
v^ery deep in colour The pulse is slightly accelerated (from forty 
to fifty), but not hard and incompressible; and lastly, the attack 
is of recent duration. These signs, however, are not to be fully 
relied on as marking congestion rather than inflammation, without 
having recourse to an examination of the lungs by means of the 
ear. Placing it against the side of the chest, in inflammation 
there would be certain marked sounds, presently to be described, 
whilst in the state we are now considering they are wholly absent, 
and all that is heard is the usual respiratory murmur slightly 
increased in intensity. It is of the utmost importance to make 
out exactly the nature of the case, for the treatment should be 
very different in congestion and inflammation. If in the former 
condition the blood can only be drawn into the skin, relief is at 
once afi"orded and all danger is at an end ; but in the latter, 
though some slight advantage would be gained, the progress of 
the disease would not be materially checked. To produce this 
determination of blood to the skin without loss of time, is some- 
times very diSicult; but by the application of hot water and 
blankets it may generally be accomplished. Two men, supplied 
with a tub of very hot water and plenty of clothing, should be 
rapid in their movements, and proceed as follows : — Have an 
assistant ready to strip the patient when ordered, then, dipping 
a blanket in the water, it is taken out and partially wrung, leaving 
as much water in its meshes as it can hold without dropping; as 
soon as it is cool enough for the human hand to bear its pressure 
it should be gently, but quickly, laid upon the horse's back, and 
the rug, which has just come off", while still warm, placed over 
it, with two or three inore over all, the number depending upon 
the temperature of the air. Another smaller rug may in the same 
way be wetted and applied to the neck, covering it with two or 
three hoods, but taking care to avoid pressure upon the windpipe. 
The legs also should be wrapped in flannel bandages, made as hot 
as possible before the fire, but dry. In the course of half an hour, 
if the skin of the parts uncovered does not become warm, and 
bIiow evidences of sweating coming on, another rug mu?t be 
dipped in the same way, and substituted quickly for the first 



PNEUMONIA. 59 

(ifeually, however, the desired effect is produced within twenty 
minutes, and then great care and some httle tact arc required to 
manage the operation. If the sweating is allowed to go on 
beyond a certain point exhaustion is produced, attended by almost 
as much danger as inflammation ; while on the ether hand, iu 
attempting to moderate the action of the skin, risk is incurred of a 
chill, and thus upsetting all the benefit which might otherwise 
h.'ive beer, derived. But by throwing open the doors to the 
external air, which may freely be admitted as soon as the skiu 
acts, and by reducing the number of additional rugs, the amounl 
of swea^ given oif may be kept within due bounds, and in the 
course of two or three hours the previously wetted rug or blanket 
may be removed, and a dry, warm one substituted for it, but the 
assistants must be quick and handy in effecting the change. 
Many a case of inflammation of the lungs, kidneys, or bowels might 
be stopped in limine by the adoption of this plan ; but the misfor- 
tune is that it requires all the skill and tact of the veterinary surgeon, 
first of all to diagnose the case, and afterwards to manage its treat- 
ment. Still, if a master will undertake the superintendence ot 
the operation himself, and is accustomed to disease, there is little 
risk of failure. 

The symptoms of acute pneumonia are a quick and dis- 
tressed respiration, averaging about sixty inspirations in the 
minute. Pulse quick (from seventy to eighty -five) ; hard, often 
small, but always compressible. Nostrils distended, and the 
lining membrane red (except in the last stage, when suffocation is 
imminent). Cough short, and evidently giving pain, which occa- 
sions it to be checked as much as possible Legs and ears gene- 
rally cold, often icy. Feet wide apart; evidently with an instinc- 
tive desire to dilate the chest as much as possible. On putting 
the ear to the chest, if the attack is very recent, there will he 
merely a greatly increased respiratory murmur; but when fully 
developed there may be heard a crepitant rattling, which is com- 
pared to the crackling of a dried bladder; but 1 confess thac I 
could never make out the similarity between the two sounds. Iu 
the later stages, this is succeeded by an absence of all sound, 
owing to the consolidation of the lungs, or by mucous r^ltlea 
dependin upon the secretion of mucus. On tapping the exterior 
of the cl 'jst with the ends of the tinkers (percussion), the sound 
giv3n out is dull in proportion to the extent of mischief, the effect 
of jmeumouia being to convert the spongy texture of the lung8 
into a solid substance like liver. The tieatvunt will greatly 
depend upon the stage of the disease, the age and constitution of 
the horse, and the nature of the prevailing epidemic, if there iid 
one In modern days bleeding is very badly bornC; either by 



60 " THE HOUSE. 

man or horse, nevertheless few cases of genuine pneumonia will b< 
saved without it. Sufficient blood must be taken to make a decid- 
ed impression on the circulation, without which the inflammation will 
not be mastered. The quantity necessary for this cannot be fixed, 
because the effect will vary so materially, that the abstraction of 
three or four quarts of blood in one case will do more than double 
or treble that quantity in another. A large orifice must be made 
\l the vein, and it must not be closed until the lining membrane 
of the nose or the white of the eye is seen to have become con- 
•siderablv paler. It may possibly even then be necessary to repeat 
the operation six hours afterwards, or next day, according to the 
symptoms. The rule should be followed of taking enough but 
not a drop too much, for blood removed from the circulation takes 
a long time to replace. With regard to medicine, tartar emetic is 
the only drug which seems to have much influence over pneu- 
monia, and it must be given every six hours in drachm doses, 
with from half a drachm to a drachm of powdered digitalis, or 
white hellebore, to keep down the pulse, and two or three 
drachms of nitre, to increase the action of the kidneys. Unless 
the bowels are confined no aperient should be given, and if neces- 
sary only the mildest dose should be used. The diet should con- 
sist of bran mashes, gruel, and a little hay, or green food if the 
season of the year allows. A cool airy stable and warm clothing 
are indispensable in this disease. When the first violence of the 
attack has subsided, a large blister on the side of the chest will 
aftbrd great relief, and when it ceases to act, if the disease is not 
entirely cured a second may be put on the other side. 

Sub-acute pneumonia difiers in no respect from the acute form, 
excepting in degree, and the symptoms and treatment will vary 
only in proportion. 

The terminations of pneumonia may be death, or resolution 
(by which is to be understood a disappearance of the symptoms 
without leaving any mischief behind), or hopatizatoon, or abscess. 
The last-named sequel may be very serious in extent, but if an 
opening is made by nature for the discharge of its contents into 
the bronchial tubes the horse may recover, and his wind may be 
Bufliciently good for any purposes but the racecour.^ie or the hunt- 
iLg field. Hepatization is always attended with thick wind, but 
in other respects the health may be good, and the horse may be 
suited to ordinary work. In process of time sora^ of the lymph is 
absorbed, and a considerable improvement takes pUce. but it nevei 
entirely disappears, and a horse which has once suffered fVoro 
pneumonia attended by hepatization remains permanentiv na>«mud 



PLEURISY-PLEURODYNTA. 61 



PLEURISY. 

This iisea^e is characterized by a very peculiar rc?])irat;()n, 
thB expirations being much longer than the inspirations, owing to 
tha pain which is given by the action of the muscles necessary Tot 
Ihe latter, while the former, if the chest is allowed quietly to fall, 
is almost painless. Nevertheless, the breathing is quicker on the 
whole than natural, being from forty to fifty per minute. The 
pulse is quick, small, and incompressible. Nostrils and eyes of a 
natural color, and the former are not dilated. The countenance is 
anxious, and the legs are rather drawn together than extended, as 
in bronchitis and pneumonia, and they are not colder than usual. 
There is a short hurried cough, with great restlessness, and the 
sides are always paini'ul on pressure ; but this symptom by itself is 
not to be relied on, as it is present in pleurodynia, which will be 
presently described. 

The treatment should consist of copious bleeding, followed by a 
mild purgative, and the same ball as recommended for pneumonia, 
with the addition of half a drachm of calomel. Blisters are not 
desirable to be applied to the sides of the thorax, as there is so 
little space between the two surfaces of the pleura and the skin 
that they are apt to do harm by immediately irritating the former, 
rather than to act beneficially by counter-irritation of the skin. A 
large rowel, may, however, be placed in the breast with advantage. 

IIydrothorax, or water in the cavity of the chest, is one of 
the sequels of chronic pleurisy, the serum thrown out being the 
means by which a serous membrane relieves itself. It can be 
detected by the entire absence of respiratory murmur, and by the 
dullness on percussion. No treatment is of any avail but tapping, 
which may be readily and safely performed (if the diagnosis id 
correct) by passing a trocar between the eighth and ninth ribs, 
near their cartilages. If, however, an error has been committed, 
the lung is wounded, and death will probably ensue. 



PLEURODYNIA. 

Between this disease and the last there is some simi- 
larity in the symptoms; but in their nature, and in the treatment 
required, they are widely separated. It is, therefore, necessary 
that they should not be confounded, for in the one case blood- 
letting and other active measures may be unnecessarily adopted. 
and in the other a fatal lasult will most probably occur for want 



62 THE HOUSE. 

oi' thorn. In plcuritis there is a quick pulse, with general consti- 
tutional disturbance, which will serve to distinguish it from pleuro- 
dynia, besides which, it is rarely that we meet with the Ibrmer 
without some other affection of the lunirs co-eiistiiiiz;. When, 
therefore, a horse is evidently suifering- from acute pain in the 
walls of the thorax, unaccompanied by cough, Imrried breathing, 
quick pulse, or fever, it may safely be diagnosed that the nature 
of the attack is a rheumatism of the intercostal muscles (pleuro- 
dynia), and not pleurisy. In treating it, bleeding and tartar emelio 
must be carefully avoided, and hot mustard and vinegar rubbed 
into the sides will be the most likely remedy to afford relief. 

PHTHISIS. 

When a horse has long been subject to a chronic cough, 
and, without losing appetite, wastes away rapidly, it may be assumed 
that he is a victim to phthisis, and especially if he is narrow- 
chested and has long shown signs of short wind. On examining 
the chest by the ear, it will be found to give out sounds of various 
kinds, depending upon the exact state of the lungs; but in most 
cases there will be great dulness on percussion, owing to the 
deposit of tubercles, in which the disease consists. In a confirmed 
case no treatment will avail, and the poor animal had better be 
destroyed. When the attack is slight, the progress of the disease 
may be stayed by counteracting inflammation in the ordinary way, 
avoiding loss of blood when possible. Haemorrhage, from the 
breaking down of the substance of the lung, by which a large 
blood-vessel is opened, is a common result of phthisis, and will be 
alluded to under the head of diseases of the vessels of the lungs, 
at the end of this chapter. 

BROKEN WIND. 

A broken-winded horse can be detected at once by any 
horseman possessed of experience, from the peculiar and forcible 
double expiration. Inspiration is performed as usual, then come^i 
a rapid but not violent act of expiration, followed by a forciblu 
repetition of the same, in which all the muscles of respiration, 
auxiliary and ordinary, are called into play. This is, of co\irse, 
most marked when the horse has been gallopped, but even when 
he is at rest the double expiration is manifest at almost any ordi- 
nary distance from the-observer. The disease almost (if not ((uite) 
invariably consists in emphysema, or entrance of the aii- into 
unnatural cells, which is retained there, as the urine is in the 
bladder, from the valvular nature of the openings, and cannot be 
entirely expelled, nor in the slightest degree, without calling into 
play all the muscles of the chest. The presence of unchanged air 
w * constant source of irritation to the lungs, and although suffi- 



BROKEN WIND— THICK WIND. 03 

cient mny be expired easily enough to carry on their funstiong 
•while the body is at rest, yet instinctively th(re is a desire to get 
rid of the surplus, and hence the two acts of resj)iration. Imme- 
diately after this second act the muscles relax, and the flank falia 
in, and this it is which catches the eyo in so remarkable a manner. 
On examination after death, the luLgs are found to remain en- 
larged, and do not collapse as in the healthy condition. They are 
distended with air; and this is especially the case wdien the em^ 
physema is of the kind called interlobular, in which the air has 
escaped into the cellular membrane. In the most common kind, 
however, the cells are broken down, several being united together, 
while the enlargement pressing upon the tube which has opened 
into them diminishes its capacity, and prevents the ready escape 
of air. This is the vesicular emphysema of pathologists. The 
former is generally suddenly produced by a severe gallop after a 
full meal, while the latter is a slow growth and often occurs at 
grass, as a consequence of neglected chronic cough, the constant 
muscular efforts appearing gradually to dilate the cells. 

Tlte treatment can only be palliative, as there is no recognised 
cure for the disease, though M. Hew, of Chaumont, has lately pub- 
lished a report of ten cases in which treatment by arsenic given 
with green food or straw^, and in some cases bleeding, was perfectly 
successful. The arsenic was given to the extent of fifteen grains 
daily, and at the end of a fortnight the symptoms of broken wind 
were completely removed; but as the horses were not subsequently 
watched, it is impossible to say whether the cure was permanent. 
It is known, however, that one of them relapsed after three months, 
but speedily yielded to a repetition of the treatment. It may cer- 
tainly be worth while to try the experiment of the effect of arsenic 
where a broken-winded horse is valuable in other respects. The 
medicine is not expensive, and the length of time necessary for the 
treatment is not very great. Broken -winded horses should be care- 
fully dieted, and even then confined to slow wcrk. The food should 
"be in small compass, consisting chiefly of wheat-straw chaff, with a 
proper* quantity of oats, and beans may be added if the animal is 
not very young. The water should never be given within an hour 
of going out of the stable, but it is better to leave a constant sup- 
ply, when too much will never be taken. Carrots are peculiarly 
suited to tills disease, and a diet of bran mixed with carrots, sliced, 
has sometimes been known to relieve a broken-winded horse most, 
materially. 

THICK WIND. 

Thick wind is the horseman's term for any defective respira- 
tion, unaccompanied by a noise, or by the signs of emphysema just 
ttUudcd to. It a'^ually follows pneumonia, but it may arise from 



64: THE HORSE. 

chronic bronchitis, occasioning a thickening of the nnicous mem 
hrane lining the bronchial tubes, and thus lessening their diameter^ 
or it may accompany phthisis when the deposit of tubercles is ex- 
^.en^ive. No treatment will be of any service except such as wih 
aid the play of the lungs mechanically, by avoiding overloading 
the stomach, as mentioned in the last section. 

SPASM OF THE DIArHRAGM 

Some horses, when at all distressed by the severity of their 
galbps, communicate to the rider a most unpleasant sensation, as 
if some internal part was giving a sudden blow or flap. This is 
not only a sensation, but a reality, for the diaphragm being na- 
turally weak, or overstrained at some previous period, acts spas- 
modically in drawing in the air. If the horse thus affected is rid- 
den onwards afterwards, he will be placed in danger of suffocation 
and death, either from rupture of the diaphragm, or from its cessa- 
tion to act, or from its permanently contracting and refusing to 
give way during expiration. There is no cure for the weakness 
which tends to produce the spasm, and all that can be done is to 
avoid using the horse affected with it at any very fast pace, and 
over a distance of ground. Urgent symptoms may be relieved by 
a cordial-drench, such as the following : — 

Take of Laudanum 6 drachms. 

Ether . . . Ih ounce. 

Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia . . 3 drachms. 

'J'incture ol" Ginger 3 drachms. 

Ale 1 pint. Mix. 

Or if there is any difficulty in giving a drench, a ball may be 
made up and given — 

Take of Carbonate of Ammonia .... 1 drachm. 

Camphor 5 dracliin. 

Powilercd Ginger 1 drachm. 

Linseed meal and boiling water sufficien to make into a ball. 

Either of the above may be repeated at the end of three hours, 
If relief is not afforded. Increased strength may be given to the 
diaphragm by regular slow work, and the daily mixture v.i a drachiL 
of powdered sulphate of iron with the feed of corn 

DISEASES OF THE HEART. 

The horse is subject to inflammation of the substance of the 
hriart (carditis) of a rheumatic nature, and of the fibro-serous C07er- 
iu£- (pericarditis), but the symptoms are so obscure that no one but 
the professional veterinarian will be likely to make them out. 
Dropsy of the heart is a common disease in worn-out horses, and 
hypei trophy, as well as fatty degeneration, are often met witb 
aJi^oug well-couditioi'cd animals. 



DISEASES OF BLOOD-VESSELS. 65 



DISEASES OF THE BLOOD-VESSELS OF THE CHEST 
AND NOSE. 

The horse is very subject to hemorrhage from the noso, 
coming' on during violent exertion, and mimy a race has been lost 
froni this cause. Fat over-fed horses are the most likelj to sufier 
from hemorrhage ; but most people are aware of the risk in- 
curred in over-riding or driving them, and for this reason they 
are not so often subject to this accident (for such it is rather than 
a disease) as they otherwise would be. It is unnecessary to de- 
scribe its aj/mptoms, as the gush of blood renders it but too appa- 
rent, and the only point necessary to inquire into is, whether the 
lungs or the nasal cavities are the seat of the rupture of the vossel. 
In the former case the blood comes from both nostrils, and ii» 
frothy; while in the latter it generally proceeds from one only, 
and is perfectly fluid. The treatment should consist in cooling the 
horse down by a dose of physic and a somewhat lower diet; but if 
the bleeding is very persistent, and returns again and again, a 
saturated solution of alum in water may be syringed up the nostril 
daily, or, if this fails, an infusion of matico may be tried, which is 
far more likely to succeed. It is made by pouring half a pint of 
boiling water on a drachm of matico-leaves, and letting it stand till 
cool, when it should be strained, and is fit for use. 

Hemorrhage from the lungs is a far more serious affair, 
and its control requires active remedies if they are to be of any 
service. It may arise from the existence of an abscess in the 
lung of a phthisical nature, which implicates some considerable 
vessel; or it may be caused by the bursting of an aneurism, m 4ich 
is a dilatation of a large artery, and generally occurs near the hfart. 
The treatment can seldom do more than prolong the life of the 
patient for a short time, and it is scarcely worth while to enter 
upon it. Bleeding from the jugular vein will arrest the internal 
haemorrhage, and must often be resorted to in the first instance, 
and there are internal medicines which will assist it, such as digi- 
talis and matico; but, as before remarked, this only postpones the 
fti^i^ termina ion. 




66 THE HORSE. 

CHAPTER IV. 
DISEASES OP THE ABDOMINAL VISCERA AND IHEIR APPENDAGC8 

General remarks — Diseases of the Mouth and Throat — Gastritis — 
Stomach Staggers — Dyspepsia — Bots — Injlamviation of the 
Bowels — Colic — Diarrhoea and Dysentery — Strangulation ana 
Ruptuje — Calculi in the Bowels — JVorms — Disease of tht 
Liver — of the Kidneys — oj the Bladder — of the Organs of 
Generation, 

GENERAL REMARKS. 

Though not often producing what in horse-dealing. is con- 
aidered unsoundness, yet diseases of the abdominal viscera con- 
stantly lead to death, and frequently to such a debilitated state of 
the body, that the sufferer is rendered useless. Fortunately for 
the purchaser, they almost always give external evidence of their 
presence, for there is not only emaciation, but also a staring coat 
and a flabby state of the muscles, which is quite the reverse of the 
wiry feel communicated to the hand in those instances where the 
horse is " poor" from over-work in proportion to his food. In the 
latter case, time and good living only are required to restore the 
natural plumpness ; but in the former, the wasting will either go 
on until death puts an end to the poor diseased animal, or he 
will remain in a debilitated and wasted condition, utterly unfit for 
hard work. 

DISEASES OF THE MOUTH AND THROAT. 

Several parts about the mouth are liable to inflammation, 
which would be of little consequence in itself, but that it inter- 
feres with the feeding, and this for the time starves the horse, 
and renders him unfit for his work, causing him to "quid" or 
roturn his food into the manger without swallowing it. Such are 
lampas. vivos or enlarged glands, barbs or paps, gigs, bladders, 
and flaps, — all which are names given to the enlargements of the 
salivary ducts, — and carious teeth, or inflammation of their fangs, 
besides these, the horse is also subject to sore throat, and stran- 
gles, which are accompanied by constitutional disturbance, and 
not only occasion " quidding," if there is any slight appetite, but 
they are also generally accompanied by a loss of that function. 

Sore throat. — When the throat inflames, as is evidenced by 
fulness and hardness of this part, and there is difficulty of swal- 
lowing, the skin covering it should immediately be severely sweated, 
or the larynx will be involved and irreparable injury done. The 
tincture of ca nth ?i rides diluted with an equal part of spirit of tur- 



STKANGLES— LAMTAS. G7 

pontine and a Iktle oil. may be rubbed in with a piet-e of spunge. 
until it produce* irritation of the skin, which in a few hours will 
DC followed by a discharue from the part. Six 3r eight drachma 
of nitre may also be dissolved in the water which the horse drinks, 
with some difficulty, but still, as he is thirsty, he will take it. 
Hometimes eating gives less pain than drinking, and then the 
nitre may be given with a bran mash instead of the water. 

Strangles. — Between the third and fifth year of the colt's life 
he is generally seized with an acute swelling of the soft parts 
l)e( ween the branches of the lower jaw, accompanied by more or 
less sore throat, cough and feverishness. These go on increasing 
for some days, and then an abscess shows itself, and finally bursts. 
The salivary glands are often involved, but the matter forms in 
the cellular membrane external to them. The treatment should 
be addressed to the control of constitutional symptoms by the 
mildest measures, such as bran mashes with nitre in them, abstrac- 
tion of corn, hay tea, &c. At the same time the swelling should 
be poulticed for one night, or thoroughly fomented two or three 
times, and then blistered with the tincture of cantharides. As 
soon as the matter can plainly be felt, it may be let out with a 
lancet; but it is very doubtful whether it is not the best plan to 
permit the abscess to^break. The bowels should be gently moved, 
by giving a pint, or somewhat less, according to age, of castor oil ; 
and afterwards two or three drachms of nitre, with half a drachm 
of tartar emetic, may be mixed with the mash twice a day, on 
which food alone the colt should be fed, in addition to gruel, and 
a little grass or clover if these are to be had, or if not, a few steamed 
carrots. The disease has a tendency to get well naturally, but if 
it is not kept within moderate bounds it is very apt to lay the 
foundation of roaring or whistling. Any chronic swelling which 
is left behind, may be removed by rubbing in a weak ointment of 
biniodide of mercury (one scruple or half drachm to the ounce j 
see page 300). 

Lampas Is an active inflammation of the ridges, or "bars," in 
fl.o. hoof of the mouth, generally occurring in the young liorse 
while he is shedding his teeth, or putting up the tushes. Some- 
times, however, it comes on, independently of this cause from 
over- feeding with corn after a run at grass. The mucous mem- 
brane of the roof of the mouth swells so mu(;h that it projecta 
beL.w the level of the nippers, and is so tender that all hard and 
dry food is refused. The trentment is extremely simple, consifjt 
ing in the scarification of the part with a sharp knife or lancet, 
after which the swelling; generally subsides, and is gone in a day 
or two; but should it obstinately continue, as will sometimes 
happen, a stick of lunar caustic must be gently rubbed over the 
part every day until a cure is completed. This is fur better than 



68 THE HORSE. 

the red-hot iron, which was formerly so constantly used, with 
good effect it is true, and not accompanied by any cruelty, as the 
raucous membrane is nearly insensible, but the caustic is more 
rapid and effectual in stimulating the vessels to a healthy action, 
and on that score should be preferred. If the lampas is owing to 
the cutting of a grinder, relief will be afforded by a crucial inci- 
lion across the protruding gum. 

Barbs, paps, &c. — The swelling at the mouth of the ducts 
nay generally be relieved by a dose of physic and green food, but 
•jhould it continue, a piece of lunar caustic may be held for a 
moment against the opening of tne duct every second day, aLd 
after two or three applications the thickening will certainly 
disappear. 

Where VIVES, or chronically enlarged submaxillary glands, are 
met with, the application of the ointment of biniodide of mercury, 
according to the directions given at page 300, will almost certainly 
cause their reduction to a natural state. 

GASTRITIS. 

Gastritis (acute inflammation of the stomach) is extremely 
rare in the horse as an idiopathic disease ; but it sometimes occurs 
from eating vegetable poisons as food, or from the wilful introduc- 
tion of arsenic into this organ, or, lastly, from licking off corrosive 
external applications, which have been used for mange. The i^i/mp- 
toms from poisoning will a good deal depend upon the article 
which has been taken, but in almost all cases in which vegetable 
poisons have been swallowed, there is a strange sort of drowsiness. 
80 that the horse does not lie down and go to sleep, but props him- 
self against a wall or tree with his head hanging almost to the 
ground. As the drowsiness increases he often falls down in his 
attempt to rest himself more completely, and when on the ground 
his breathing is loud and hard, and his sleep is so unnaturally 
sound that he can scarcely be roused from it. At length con- 
vulsions occur and death soon takes place. This is the ordinary 
course of poisoning with yew, which is sometimes picked up with 
the grass after the clippings have dried, for in its fresh state the 
taste is too bitter for the palate, and the horse rejects the mouthful 
of grass in which it is involved. May-weed and water parsley will 
also produce nearly similar symptoms. The treatment in each 
ease should be by rousing the horse mechanically, and at the same 
time giving him six or eight drachms of aromatic spirit of ammonia, 
in a pint or two of good ale, with a little ginger in it. This may 
be repeated every two hours, and the horse should be perpetually 
walked about until the narcotic symptoms are completely gone off, 
when a sound sleep will restore him to his natural state. 

Arsenic, when given in large doses, with an intention to destroy 



STOMACH STAGGERS. 69 

lifL', produces intense pain and thirst ; — the former, evidenced by an 
eager gaze at the flanks, pawing of the ground, or rolling; and 
sometimes by each of these in succession. The saliva is secreted 
in increased quantities, and flows from the mouth, as the throat is 
generally too sore to allow of its being swallowed. The breath 
soon becomes hot and fetid, and purging then comes on of a bloody 
mucus, which soon carries ofi" the patient by exhaustion, if death 
does not take place from the immediate effects of the poison on the 
stomach and brain. Treatment is seldom of any avail, the most 
likely remedies being large bleedings, blisters to the sides of the 
chest, and plenty of thin gruel to sheathe the inflamed surface 
of the mucous membrane, which is deprived of its epithelial 
scales. 

Corrosive sublimate is sometimes employed as a wash in 
mange, or to destroy lice, when it may be licked off, and will occa- 
sion nearly the same symptoms as arsenic. The treatment consistt? 
in a similar use of thin starch or gruel; or, if the poison hasi 
recently been given wilfully, of large quantities of white of egg. 



STOMACH STAGGERS. 

The exact nature of this disease has never been clearly 
made out, and it is now so rare, that there is little chance of its 
being satisfactorily explained. The symptoms would chiefly lead 
one to suppose the brain to be implicated ; but there is so close a 
sympathy between that organ and the stomach, that we can easily 
account in that way for the cerebral manifestations. A theory has 
been propounded, that it is seated in the p;ir vagum, or pneumo- 
gastric nerve; and as all the parts with which that nerve is con- 
nected are affected, there is some ground for the hypothesis ; but 
It is not supported by the demonstration of anatomy, simply, per- 
haps, because of the difficulty in the way of prosecuting the 
pathology of the nerves. The first onset of the disease is marked 
by great heaviness of the eyes, soon going on to drowsiness ; the 
head dropping into the manger, even while feeding is in progress. 
It generally makes its appearance after a long fast ; and it is sup- 
fjosed by some writers to be owing to the demands made by t)»e 
stomach on the brain, when in an exhausted condition for want of 
its usual supplies. This theory is supported by the fact that, in 
the present day, when every horsemaster knows the danger of 
working his horses without feeding them at intervals of five, or at 
most six hours, the stomach staggers are almost unknown. Even 
wlien the disease shows itself at grass, it is almost always mani- 



70 THE HORSE. 

fc?ted directly after the horse ia first turned out, when he gorges 
himself with the much-coveied food, which has long been withheld, 
and his brain is affected i'l a manner similar to that which follows a 
long fast from every kind of food. In a short time, if the affection 
of the brain is not relieved, that organ becomes still more severely 
implicated, and convulsions or paralysis put an end to the attack. 
r>'iring the course of the disease, the breathing is affected, and 
there is generally an almost total cessation of the secretions of bile 
aiid ur'ne, which may either be the cause or the effect of tlie con- 
dition of the brain. With this state of uncertainty as to tho 
essence of the disease, it is somewhat empirical to lay down any 
rules for its treatment ; tind, as 1 before remarked, it is now so 
rare, that they are scarcely necessary. If care be taken to feed 
the horse properly, he will never suffer from stomach staggers in 
the stable ; and at grass, the attack is seldom observed until he 
is beyond the reach of any remedies. Still, it may be as well to 
observe, that the usual plan of proceeding has been to take away 
blood, so as to relieve the brain, and to stimulate the stomach 
to get rid of its load, by the use of warm aperients, such as the 
following : — 

Take of B.irhadoes Aloes 4 to 6 drachms. 

TiiK'ture of Gino^er 3 drachms. 

Dissolve the aloes in a pint of hot water, then add the tincture, and when 
nearly cool give as a drench. 



DYSPEPSIA. 

Every domesi^o animal suffers in health if he is constantly 
fed on the same articles, and man himself, perhaps, more than 
they do. Partridges are relished by him early in September, but 
toujours i}erdi-ix would disgust the most inveterate lover of that 
article of food. Dogs are too often ma<le to suffer from being fed 
on the same meal, flavored with similar flesh or broth, from one 
month to another. It is well known that cattlt and sheep must 
change their pasture, Oi they soon lose condition ; and yet horsefi 
are expected to go on eating oats and hay for years together with- 
out injury to health; and at the same time they are often exposed 
to the close air of a confined stable, and to an irregular amount of 
exercise. AYc cannot, therefore, wonder that the master is often 
told that some one or other of his horses is " a little off his feed ;" 
nor should we b3 surprised that the constant repetition of the 
panacea for this, " a dose of physic," should at length permanently 
establish the condition which at first it would always alleviate. 
It is a source of wonder that the appetite continues so j^ood as it 



DYSPEPSIA— BOTS. 71 

does, in the majority of horses, which are kept in the stable on 
the sam2 kind of food, always from July to May, and often 
through the other months also. The use of a few small bundles 
of vetehes, lucerne, or clover in the spring, is supposed to be 
quite sufficient to restore tone to the stomach, and undoubtedly 
they are better than no change at all; but at other seasons of the 
year something may be done towards the prcTcntion of dyspepsia, 
by varying the quality of the hay, and by the use of a few carrotfl 
once or twice a week. In many stables, one rick of hay is made 
to serve throughout the whole or a great part of the year, which 
irf a very bad plan, as a change in this important article of food is 
as much required as a change of pasture when the animal is at 
grass. When attention is paid to this circumstance, the appetite 
will seldom fail in horses of a good constitution, if they are regu- 
larly worked; but without it, resort must occasionally be had to a 
dose of physic. It is from a neglect of this precaution that so many 
horses take to eat their litter, in preference to their hay ; for if the 
game animal was placed in a straw-yard, without hay, for a month, 
and then allowed access to both, there would be little doubt that he 
would prefer the latter. Some horses are naturally so voracious, 
that they are always obliged to be supplied with less than they 
desire, and they seldom suffer from loss of appetite; but delicate 
feeders require the greatest care in their management. When the 
stomach suffers in this way, it is always desirable to try what a 
complete change of food will do before resorting to medicine ; and, 
if it can be obtained, green food of some kind should be chosen, 
or if not, carrots, or even steamed potatoes. In place of hay, 
sound wheat or barley straw may be cut into chaff, and mixed 
with the carrots and corn; and to this a little malt-dust may be 
added, once or twice a week, so as to alter the flavor. By con- 
tinually changing the food in this way, the most dyspeptic 
stomach may often be restored to its proper tone, without doing 
harm with one hand while the other is doing good, as is too often 
the case with medicine. The use of the fashionable ^'horse- 
feeds " of the present day will serve the same purpose ; and if 
the slight changes I have mentioned do not answer, Thorley's or 
Henri's food may be tried with great probability of success. 

BOTS. 

The LARViE of the oestrus equi, a species of gadfly, are ofteo 
found in large numbers, attached by a pair of hooks with which 
they are provided, to the cardiac extremity of the stomach ; they 
are very rarely met with in the true digestive portion of this 
organ, but sometimes in the duodenum or jejunum in small numbers. 
A. group of these larvae, which are popularly called bots, are repre- 
&e/itt^d on t)ic next page, but sometimes nearly all the cardiac ex- 



73 



THE HOKSE. 



tremity of the stomach is occupied with them, the interstices being 
occupied by little projections which are caused by those that have 
let go their hold, and have been expelled with the food. Several 
3f these papillfe are shown on the engraving, which delineates blso 
the appearance of the hots themselves, so that no one can fail lo 
teognise them when he sees them. This is important, for it often 




Fig. 18. — group of bots attached to the stomach. 

happens that a meddlesome groom when he sees them expelled 
from or hanging to the verge of the anus, as they often do for a 
short time, thinks it necessary to use strong medicine; whereas in 
the tirst place he does no good, for. none is known wh-ich will kill 
the larva without danger to the horse, and in the second, if he will 
only have a little patience, every bot will come away in the natural 
course of things, and until the horse is turned out to grass, during 
the season when the oestrus deposits its eggs, he will never have 
another in his stomach. 

The (ESTRUS equi comes out from the pupa state in the middle 
and latter part of summer, varying according to the season, and 
the female soon finds the proper nidus for her eggs in the hair of 
the nearest horse turned out to grass. She manages to glue them 
to the sides of the hair so fii^mly that no ordinary friction will get 
rid of them, and her instinct teaches her to select those parts 
within reach of the horse's tongue, such as the hair of the fore 
legs and sides. Here they remain until the heat of the sun hatclies 
them, when, being no larger in diameter than a small pin, each 
Uirva is licked off and carried down the gullet to the stomach, to 
the thick epithelium of which it soon attaches itself by its hooks. 
Ileic it remains until the next spring, having attained the size 



INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS. 73 

vrhich is represented in the engraving during the course of the 
6rst two months of its life, and then it fulfils its allottc I career, 
by letting go and being carried out with the dung. On reaching 
the outer air it soon assumes the chrysalis condition, and in three 
or four weeks bursts its covering to become the perfect insect. 

From this iiistory it will be evident that no preventive 
measures will keep oif the attacks of the fly when the horse is a^ 
grass, and, indeed, in those districts where they abound, they will 
deposit their ova in the hair of the stabled horse if he is allowed 
to stand still for a few minutes. The eggs are, however, easily 
recognised in any horse but a chestnut, to which color they closely 
assimilate, and as they are never deposited in large numbers on 
the stabled horse they may readily be removed by the groom. 
Unlike other parasites, they seem to do little or no harm, on 
account of the insensible nature of the part of the stomach to 
which they are attached, and, moreover, their presence is seldom 
discovered until the season of their migration, when interference 
is uncalled for. On all accounts, therefore, it is unnecessary to 
enter into the question, whether it is possible to expel them; and 
even if by chance one comes away prematurely it will be wise to 
avoid interfering by attempting to cause the expulsion of those left 
behind. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS. 
(Peritonitis and Enteritis.) 

A REFERENCE to the cut of the abdomen and its contents, oppo- 
site page 350, will explain that there are two divisions of the 
abdominal serous sac, one of which lines the walls of the cavity, 
and the other covers the viscera which lie in it. In human medi- 
cine, when the former is inflamed, the disease is termed peritonitis, 
and when the latter is the subject of inflammatory action it is 
called enteritis. But though in theory this distinction is made, in 
practice it is found that the one seldom exists without the other 
being developed to a greater or less extent. Veterinary writers 
have generally taken the nomenclature adopted in human ana- 
tomy and pathology, but in regard to the inflammations of the 
bowels they define peritonitis as inflammation of the peritoneal or 
serous coat, and enteritis as inflammation of the muscular coat. 
My own belief is, that during life it is impossible by anv known 
symptoms to distinguish the exact lorah of any inflammation of 
the bowels but that of their mucous lining, which will presently 
))e described, and that wherever the actual serous covering of the 
bowels is involved the muscular fibres beneath it will be implicated, 
but that the serious and fatal symptoms manifested in such cases 
are not dependent upon the latter, but are due entirely to the 
lesions of the serous coat. I have examined numberless fattU 



74 THE HORSK 

3nso!! of supposed enteritis, and have uniformly found signs ot 
inflammation of the serous investment, sometimes implicating the 
muscular fibres beneath, and often extending to the peritoneai 
jiuing of the walls of the abdomen, but I have never yet seen 
marks of inflammation in the muscular tissue without their serous 
cov^ering being affected to a much greater extent. I believe there- 
fore that the distinction is erroneously founded, and that, theoreti- 
cally, the same definition should be made of the two diseases as is in 
use by human pathologists, though practically this is of little im 
poitance. There is no well made out inflammation of muscukr 
tissue (except that of the heart) in which the symptoms are so 
urgent and so rapidly followed by a fatal issue as in the latter stages 
of the disease described by Mr, Percivall under the head enteritis^ 
as follows: — "The next stage borders on delirium. The eye 
acquires a wild, haggard, and unnatural stare — the pupil dilates — 
his heedless and dreadful throes render approach to him quite 
perilous, he is an object not only of compassion but of apprehen- 
sion, and seems fast hurrying to his end — when all at once, in the 
midst of agonizing torments he stands quiet, as though every pain 
had left him and he were going to recover. His breathing becomes 
tranqrillized — his pulse sunk beyond all perception — his bod_^ 
bedew'>d with a cold clammy sweat — he is in a tremor from head 
to foot and about the legs and ears has even a dead-like feel. The 
mouth feels deadly chill — the lips drop pendulous, and the eye 
seems mconscious of ol)jects. In fine, death, not recovery, is at 
hand. Mortification has seized the inflamed bowel — pain can no 
loTiger be felt in that which a few minutes ago was the seat of 
most exquisite suff"ering. He again becomes convulsed, and in a 
few more struggles less violent than the former he expires." 
Analogy would lead any careful pathologist to suppose that such 
symptoms as these are due to some lesion of a serous and not a 
muscular tissue, and, as I before remarked, I have satisfied myself 
that such is really the case. I have seen lymph, pus, and serum 
effused in some cases of enteritis, and mortification extending to a 
large surface of the peritoneal coat in others, but I have never 
examined a single case without one or the other of these morbid 
results. It may be said that so long as the symptoms are correctly 
described their exact seat is of no consequence ; but in this 
instance it is probable that the ordinary definition of enteritis as an 
inflammation of the muscular coat may lead to a timid practice in 
its treatment, which would be attended with the worst results. 1 
have no fault to find with the usual descripticns of the twc 
diseases, or with their ordinary treatment, but I protest against 
the definition which is given of them. 

An examination of thk cause of inflammation of the boR'cls 
>% the only means by whi^h the one form can be distin^iuishcd 



INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS. 75 

from the other. If it lias beeu brought about from exposure to 
cold, or from ovGr-stiiimlating medicines given for colic, the proba- 
bility is that the serous covering of the intestines themseh es 13 
chiefly involved ; while if it has followed castration it may gener- 
ally be concluded that the peritoneal lining of the abdominal 
mascles has taken on inflammatory action by an immediate exten 
sion from the serous lining of the inguinal canal, which is con 
fcinuous with it. In each case, however, the symptoms are as 
nearly as may be the same, and without knowing the previous 
history I believe no one could distinguish the one disease from the 
other — nor should the treatment vary in any respect. 

The symptoms of peritoneal inflammation vary in intensity, 
and in the rapidity of their development, but they usually show 
themselves in the following order: — At first there is simple loss of 
appetite, duluess of eye, and a general uneasiness, which are soon 
followed by a slight rigor or shivering. The pulse becomes rapid, 
but small and wiry, and the horse becomes very restless, pawing 
liis litter, and looking back at his sides in a wistful and anxivms 
n)anner. In the next stage all these signs are aggravated ; the 
hind legs are used to strike at but not touch the belly; and the 
horse lies down, rolls on his back and struggles violently. The 
pulse becomes quicker and harder, but is still small. The belly is 
acutely tender and hard to the touch, the bowels are costive, and 
the horse is constantly turning round, moaning, and regarding his 
flanks with the most anxious expression of countenance. Next 
comes on the stage so graphically described by Mr. Percivall in 
the passage which I have quoted, the whole duration of the attack 
being from twelve to forty eight hours in acute cases, and extend- 
ing to three or four days in those which are denominated sub- 
acute. 

In the treatment of this disease, as in all those implicating serous 
m.mibrane, blood must be taken largely, and in a full stream, the 
quantity usually required to make a suitable impression being 
from six to nine quarts. The belly should be fomented with very 
hot water, by two men holding against it a doubled blanket, dipped 
in that fluid, which should be constantly changed, to keep up the 
temperature. The bowels should be back-raked, and the follow- 
ing drench should be given every six hours till it operates, which 
should be hastened by injections of warm water. 

Take of Linseed oil 1 pint. 

Laudanum 2 ounces. 

If the iirst bleeding does not give relief in six or eight hours, it 
must be repeated to the extent of thr(^.e or four quarts, and at the 
Bame time some liquid blister may be rubbed into the skin of the 
abdomen, continuing the fomentations, at short intervals, uudei 



76 THE HORSE. 

tliat part, which will hasten its operation. The diet should be cod* 
fined to thin gruel or bran mashes, and no hay should be allowed 
until the severity of the attack has abated. 

To DISTINGUISH this disease from colic is of the highest import- 
ance, and for this purpose it will be necessary to describe the 
symptoms of the latter disease, so as to compare the two together 



COLIC. 

Tn this disease there is spasm of the muscular coat of the 
intestines, generally confined to the C99cum and colon. Various 
names have been given to its difierent forms, such as the fret, the 
gripes, spasmodic colic, flatulent colic, &c , but they all display fhe 
above feature, and are only modifications of it, depending upon 
tho cause which has produced it. In spasmodic colic, the bowels 
are not unnaturally distended, but in flatulent colic their distension 
by gas brings on the spasm, the muscular fibres being stretched to 
so great an extent as to cause them to contract irregularly and 
with a morbid action. Sometimes, when the bowels are very cos- 
tive, irritation is established as an efl'ort of nature to procure the 
dislodguient of the impacted faecpl matters, and thus a third cause 
of the disease is discovered. The exact nature and cause are 
always to be ascertained from the history of the case, and its 
symptoms, and as the treatment will especially be conducted with 
a view to a removal of the cause, they are of the highest import- 
ance. The si/mptoms in all cases of colic, by which it may be 
distinguished from the last-described disease, are as follows : In 
both acute pain is manifested by stamping, looking at the flanks, 
and rolling; but in enteritis the pain is constant, while in colic, 
there are intervals of rest, when the horse seems quite easy, and 
often begins to feed. In both the poor animal strikes at his belly; 
but in the former he takes great care not to touch the skin, while 
in the latter (colic) he w'll often bring the blood by his desperate 
efforts to get rid of his annoyance. In enteritis the belly is hot 
and exquisitely tender to the touch, but in colic it is not unnatur- 
ally warm, and gradual pressure with a broad surface, such as the 
whole hand, always is readily borne, and generally affords relief. 
The pulse also is little affected in colic; and, lastly, the attack is 
very much more sudden than in peritoneal inflammation. 

Such are the general signs by which a case of colic may be 
distinguished from inflanmiation of the bowels, but beyond this it 
is necessary to investigate whether it is pure spasmodic colio^ or 
produced by flatulence, or by an obstruction in the bowels. 



COLIC. ^7 

In spasmodic colic all the above symptoms are displayed, with- 
out any great distension of the abdomen ; and if the history of the 
eai5e is gone into, it will be found that after coming in heated the 
horse has been allowed to drink cold water, or has been exposed 
in an exhausted state to a draught of air. 

In flatulent colic the abdomen is enormously distended; the 
attack is not so sudden, and the pain ie noi so intense, being rather 
to be considered, in the average of cases, as a high degree of un- 
easiness, occasionally amounting to a sharp pang, than giving the 
idea of agony. In aggravated attacks, the distension is so enor- 
Dious as to leave no doubt of the nature of the exciting cause. 
Here also the spasms as-e often brought on by drinking cold water 
while the horse is in a heated and exhausted state. 

Where there is a stoppage in the bowels to cause the 
spasm, on questioning the groom, it will be found that the dung 
for some days has been hard and in small lumps, with occasional 
patches of mucus upon it. In other respects there is little lo dis- 
tinguish this variety from the last. 

The treatment must in all cases be conducted on a totally differ- 
ent plan to that necessary when inflammation is present. Bleeding 
will be of no avail, at all events in the early stages, and before the 
disease has gone on, as it sometimes will, into an inflammatory 
condition. On the other hand, stimulating drugs, which would be 
fatal in enteritis, will here generally succeed in causing a return 
of healthy r.ius-^ular action. The disease is indeed similar in its 
essential features to cramp in the muscles of the human leg or 
arm, the only difference being that it does not as speedily dis- 
appear, because it is impossible to get at the muscular coat of the 
intestines, and apply the stimulus of friction. 

As soon as a case is clearly made out to be of a spas- 
modic nature, one or other of the following drenches should be 
j?iven. the choice being made in proportion to the intensity of the 
symptoms: — 

1. Sulphuric Ether 1 ounce. 

Laudanum 2 ounces 

Compound decoction of Aloes 5 ounces 

Mix and give every half hour until relief is afforded. 

2. Spirit of Turpentine 4 ounces. 

Linseed Oil 12 ounces. 

Laudanum U ounce. 

Mix and give every hour till .he pain ceases. 

8. Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia U ounce. 

Laudanum 2 ounces. 

Tincture of Ginger 1.^ ounce. 

Hot Ale . 1 quart. 

Mix and give every hour. 



78 THE HORSE. 

floi water should also be applied to the abdomen, as described 
under the head of Enteritis, and if an enema pump is at hand, 
large quantities of water, at a temperature of 100° Fahrenheit, 
should be injected jyer aniim, until in fact the bowel will hold no 
laore without a dangerous amount of force. 

In flatulent colic the same remedies may be employed, but 
the turpentine mixture is here especially beneficial. The use of 
warm water injections will often bring away large volumes of wind, 
which at once affords relief, and the attack is cured. Sometimes, 
however, the distension goes on increasing, and the only chance 
of recovery consists in a puncture of the caecum, as it lies high in 
the right flank, where, according to French veterinary writers it 
may often be opened when greatly distended, without dividing the 
serous covering. The operation, however, should only be per- 
formed by an experienced hand, as it is one of great danger, and 
a knowledge of the anatomy of the parts concerned is required to 
select the most available situation. 

The treatment op impaction must be completely n pos- 
teriori, for all anterior proceedings with aperient medicines will 
only aggravate the spasms. Injection of gallons of warm water 
or of gruel containing a quart of castor oil and half a pint of spirit 
of turpentine, will sometimes succeed in producing a passage, and 
at the same time the spasm may be relieved by the exhibition at 
the mouth of one ounce of laudanum and the same quantity of 
sulphuric ether. If there is any tenderness of the abdomen, or 
the pulse has a tendency to quicken, it will be better to resort to 
bleeding, which alone will sometimes cause the peristaltic action 
to be restored in a healthy manner. The case, however, requires 
great patience and judgment, and as no great good can often be 
effected, it is highly necessary to avoid doing harm, which can 
hardly be avoided if the remedies employed are not at once suc- 
cessful. 

When the urgent symptoms of colic in any of its forms are 
reliuved, great care must be exercised that a relapse does not take 
place from the use if improper ibod. The water should be care- 
i'ully chilbd, and a warm bran mash should be given, containing in it 
half a feed of bruised oats. Nothing but these at moderate inter- 
vals, in the shape ol' food or drink, should be allowed for a day 
or two, and then the horse may gradually return to his customary 
treatment, avoiding, of course, everything which may appear to 
have contributed to the development of colic. 

J)1AHKIICEA AND DVSENTEKY. 

A distinction is attem])ted to be made between these two dis- 
eases, — the former name being confined to an inflammation of the 
mucous membrane of the small intestines, while the latter is said 



DIARRIiCEA AND DYSE^^TERY. 79 

to re&lde in (.lie large. It is very difficult, however, if not impoA- 
Bible, to distinguish the one from the other by the symptoms dur- 
ing life, and in ordinary practice they may be considered ivS one 
disease, the treatment depending in great measure on the exciting 
cause. This in most cases is to be found in the use of too violenl 
" physic," or in not resting the horse after it has begun to act 
until some hours after it has completely " set." Sometimes il 
depends on the cells of the colon having long been loaded with 
faeces, which causes, at length, their mucous lining to inflame, tha 
consequent secretion having a tendency to loosen them and pro- 
cure their dismissal, either by solution or by the forcible contrac- 
tion of the muscular coat. This last disease is known by the name 
of "molten grease" to old-fashioned farriers, the clear mucus which 
envelopes the lumps of faeces being supposed to be derived from 
the internal fat that is generally plentifully developed in the highly 
fed horses that are especially subject to the attack. For practical 
purposes, therefore, we may consider the different forms under the 
head of superpurgation, diarrhoea, and dysentery, meaning by the 
last name that condition which is brought about by and attended 
with a discharge of lumps of hard faecal matter enveloped iL 
mucus. 

Superpurgation is sometimes so severe as to place a delicate 
horse in great danger. AVhen the action of the bowels has gone 
on for three or four days consecutively, and there is no disposition 
to "set," the eyes become staring and glassy, the pulse is feeble, 
and the heart flutters in the most distressing manner; the mouth 
has a peculiarly offensive smell, the tongue being pale and covered 
with a white fur having a brown centre. The abdomen is gene- 
rally tucked tightly up, but in the later stages large volumes of 
gas are evolved, and it becomes tumid. 

The treatment should consist in the exhibition of rice, boiled 
till quite soft, and if not taken voluntarily, it should be given as a 
drench, mixed into a thin liquid form with warm water. If the 
case is severe, one or two ounces of laudanum may be added to a 
quart of rice milk, and given every time the bowels act with vio- 
lence. Or a thin gruel may be made with wheat meal, and the 
laudanum be mixed with that instead of the rice. A perseverance 
in these remedies will almost invariably produce the desired effect, 
it' they have not been deferred until the horse is very much ex- 
hausted, when a pint of port wine may be substituted for the 
);iudanum with advantage. 

In j^tarrikea resulting from cold, or ovor-exertion, the treat- 
ment ^'hould be exactly like that prescribed for superpurgation, 
but it Till sometimes be necessary to givi chalk in addition to the 
remed s there alluded to. The rice or flour-milk may be admin* 



80 THE HORSE. 

ifitereJ as food, and the following drench given by itself every 
time there is a discharge of liquid faeces : — 

Take of Powdered Opium 1 drachm. 

Tincture of Catechu . ... 5 ouuce. 

Chalk Mixture 1 pint. 

Mix and give as a drench. 

During the action of these remedies the body must be kept 
warm by proper clothing, and the legs should be encased in flaii- 
Del bandages, previously made hot at the fire, and renewed as they 
become cold. 

In dysentery (or molten grease) it is often necessary to take 
a little blood away, if there is evidence of great inflammation in 
the amount of mucus surrounding the faeces, and when apeiient 
medicine does not at once put a stop to the cause of irritation by 
bringing the lumps away from the cells of the colon. Back-raking, 
and injections of two ounces of laudanum and a pint of castor oil 
with gruel, should be adopted in the first instance, but they will 
seldom be fully efiicient without the aid of linseed oil given by the 
mouth. A pint of this, with half a pint of good castor oil, will 
generally produce a copious discharge of lumps, and then the irri- 
tation ceases without requiring any further interference. 

Whenever there is diarrhoea or dysentery present to any extent, 
rico-water should be the sole drink. 

STRANGULATION AND RUPTURE. 

Mechanical violence is done to the stomach and bowels in 
various ways, but in every case the symptoms will be those of 
severe inflammation of the serous coat, speedily followed by death, 
if not relieved when relief is possible. Sometimes the stomach is 
ruptured from over-distension — at others the small intestines have 
been known to share the same fate, but the majority of cases are 
due to strangulation of a particular portion of the bowels, by being 
tied or pressed upon by some surrounding band. This may hap- 
pen either from a loop of bowel being forced through an opening 
in the mesentery or mesocolon, or from a band of organized lymph, 
the result of previous inflammation — or from one portion of the 
bowels forcing itself into another, like the inverted finger of a 
glove, and the included portion being firmly contracted upon by 
the exterior bowel, so as to produce dangerous pressure (intussus- 
ception), or, lastly, from a portion or knuckle of intestine forcing 
its way through an opening in the walls of the abdomen, and then 
called hernia or rupture, which being pressed upon by the edges 
of the opening becomes strangulated, and if not relieved inflamSI, 
and then mortifies. None of these cases are amenable to treat- 
ment (and indeed they cannot often be discovered with certainty 
during life, the symptoms resembling those of enteritis), excupt 



CALCULI IN THE JOWELS. 81 

Strargulated liernia, whicli should be reduced eithoi by the pres- 
Burf- of the hands, or by the aid of an operation with the knife — 
which will be described under the chapter which treats of the seve- 
ral operations. Whenever inflammation of the bowels is attended 
with obstinate constipation, the walls of the abdomen should be 
carefully examined, and especially the inguinal canal, scrotum, and 
navel, at which points in most cases the hernia makes its appear- 
ance. A swelling at any other part may, however, contain a 
knuckle of intestine, which has found its way through the abdo- 
minal parietes in consequence of a natural opening existing there. 
or of one having been made by some accidental puncture with a 
spike of wood or iron. The swelling is generally round, or nearly 
80, and gives a drum-like sound on being tapped with the fingers. 
It feels hard to the touch in consequence of the contents being 
constricted; but it gives no sensation of solidity, and may be gene- 
rally detected by these signs. None but an educated hand can, 
however, be relied on to distinguish a ventral hernia from any 
other tumor. When it occurs at the scrotum or navel the case is 
clear enough. 

CALCULI IN THE BOWELS. 

A STOPPAGE IN THE BOWELS sometimes obstinately persists, in 
spite of all kinds of remedies, and, death taking place, it is found 
on examination that a large calculus has blocked up the area of 
the canal. Sometimes one of these calculi is found in the stomach, 
but this is extremely rare. On making a section they are found 
to consist of concentric layers of bran, chaff, and other hard par- 
ticles of the food, mixed generally with some small proportion of 
earthy matter, and arranged around some foreign body, such as a 
piece of ston^ from the corn, or the head of a naiL Treatment is 
out of the question, as it is impossible to discover the calculus 
during life, and even if it could be ascertained to exist, no remedy 
is known for it. Those who are curious about the composition of 
these calculi, will be pleased with the following letter by Mr. Buck- 
land, surgeon to the 1st Life Guards, in reply to an inquiry made 
in The Field as to the composition of a calculus found in a horse 
belonging to a correspondent : — 

" Mr. C. Pemberton Carter having, in his interesting letter, re- 
quested me to throw some light upon this subject, I have great 
pleasure in giving what little information I am able to afford, with 
apologies for delay, as Aldershot camp is by no means a favorable 
spot for scientific investigations or literary pursuits. As regards 
the actual composition of calculi such as he has sent, we learn 
from the catalogue of the museum of the Royal College of Sur- 
geons that they are composed for the most part of the phosphaw 
of mague«<ia and ammonia, with small quantities of phosf hate of 



82 THE HORSE. 

I'ime. Tliey also contain an animal and extractive matter, to wnlch 
the brown color of the calculus is owing. They also contain mu- 
riates oi' soda, and various alkaline salts derived from the intestinal 
juices. The animal matter resembles that of all other concretions, 
and separates in concentric laminae when the calculus is dissol.-ed 
in an acid. In more impure varieties, grains of sand, portions of 
hay, straw ^ &c., are frequently found imbedded in the calculus, 
and there is one specimen in the museum which contains an entire 
iayer of vegetable hairs. ]Mr. Carter remarks that ' his impression 
is that the calculus i« made up of bran' (chemically speaking). 
lie is not far wrong, for we read in the College catalogue, ' Most 
authorities agree that these calculi are formed from phosphate of 
magnesia, contained in ivhcat^ oats, haj/, &c., and this opinion de- 
rives confirmation from the circumstance that they occur most fre- 
quently in millers' and brewers' horses, whj.3h are fed upon grains, 
bran, and substances known to contain a much larger proportion 
of magnesian salts than other vegetable matters.' Mr. Carter haa 
detected minute portions of wheat, oats, and hay in the calculus, 
which therefore may be said to consist of two substances, viz., the 
vegetable and the mineral. So much, then, for the composition 
of the calculus; now for its mechanical structure. Most decidedly 
it may be compared to an onion, layer being packed over layer, so 
as in section to present a ringed ai)pearance. \Ve may also liken 
it to other objects. It has lately struck me to examine the struc- 
ture of a con)mon cricket-ball, which combines hardness, light- 
ness, and elasticity in such an admirable way. Upon making a 
section, I found the cricket-ball to be composed of layers, one over 
the other, round a central nucleus. The layers are composed of 
leather, alternated with a vegetable fibre, the nucleus being a bit 
of cork. The calculus in the horse is formed in a similar way. 
The nucleus in Mr. Carter's specimen is a bit of flint; in a capital 
instance I have in my own collection, of a common shot, about 
No. 5 size, which has been crushed by the horse's teeth, and sub- 
sequently swallowed; in another instance, of a chair nai! of brass; 
in another of a single oat-secd ; in another of a minute bit of 
cinder, and so on, as it seems to be absolutely necessary that these 
calculi should have a commencement — a starting-point. "Where 
is the school-boy who can make a gigantic snow'ball without be- 
ginning with a small lump of snow or a stone, as a nucleus upon 
which he builds all the rest? 

" Mr. Carter seems to wonder at the weight of the specimen, 5 
fbs. ; this is by no means a large size; in the museum of the 
Royal College of Surgeons we Iiave a very fine collection of cal- 
culi, the larges*, taken from the intestines of a horse, weighs no 
less than 17 lbs , and is about the size and shape of an ordinary 
ekittle-biU. Id the case where this is contained he will sec many 



CALCULI IN THE BOWELS-WORMS. 83 

otliar specimens, cut in sections to show the nuclei; he will ob- 
serve that calculi also form in the intestines of the camel and of 
the elephant, and even in the wild horse, for there is a "ood speci- 
men from the intestines of a Japanese wild horse. Stones, not 
true calculi, are sometimes found in animals, which have been 
actually swallowed by them, and have not been chemically formed 
in this walking laboratory. There is a case containing several 
pebbles — thirty in number— found in the stomach of a cow at 
Barton-under-Needwood, Burton-on-Trent. These stones belong 
to the geological formation of the neighborhood ; it is curious to 
see how they have been acted on by the action of the stomach, foi 
they are highly glazed and polished. I have seen sp'ecimens of 
gravel pebbles which I took from the gizzard of an ostrich, which 
are as highly polished as an agate marble. The bird swallowed 
the stones to assist its digestion ; the cov/ out of a morbid appe- 
tite. I know of a somewhat similar instance that lately happened: 
A young lady was taken ill, and died of very strange symptoms ; 
it was subsequently ascertained that the stomach was quite filled 
with human hair, which had moulded itself into the shape of the 
interior of that organ. The poor girl had naturally very long and 
beautiful hair, and she had an unfortunate habit of catching the 
loose hairs with her lips and swallowing them ; in time they felted 
together, became a solid mass, and killed her — a warning to other 
young ladies which should not be neglected. In the lower animala 
we frequently find rolled balls of hair from the creatures licking 
themselves. I have seen one at Bristol from a lioness ; it is formed 
of hairs licked with her rough tongue from her cubs. Curious 
concretions are found in goats, &c., called ' bezoar' stones ; they 
were formerly supposed to have medicinal virtues : of this at an- 
other time. 1^'- T. BUCKLAND." 

WORMS 

Intestinal worms in the horse are chiefly of two species, both 
belonging to the genus ascan's. Bots, as inhabiting the stomach, 
have already been described with that organ ; and, moreover, they 
should never be confounded with what are called properly and 
scientifically, " worms." Of these, the larger species resemblesJ 
the common earthworm in all respects but color, which is a pinkish 
5vhite. It inhabits the small' intestines, though it is sometimes, 
but very rarely, found in the stomach. The s^mpfoms are a rough, 
staring, hollow coat~a craving appetite — more or less emaciation — ■ 
the passage of mucus with the faeces, and very often a small por- 
tion of this remains outside the anus, and dries there. ^ That part 
generally itches, and in the attempt to rub it the tail is denuded 
of hair; but this may arise from vermin in it, or from mere irri- 
tatiou of the anusi'rom other causes. When these several symp- 



84 THE IIORSK 

toms are combined, it may with some degree of certainty be sup- 
posed that there are worms in the intestines, but before proceeding 
to dislodge them, it is always the wisest plan to obtain proof posi- 
tive of their existence, by giving an ordiuary dose of physic, when, 
on watching the evacuations, one or more worms may generally be 
discovered if they are present. When the case is clearly made 
out tn3 plan of treatment is as follows : — 

Tak3 of Tartar Kmctic 1 drachm. 

Powdered Ginger i drachm. 

Linseed Meal sufficient to make into a ball with boiling water. 

One should be given every morning for a week, then a dose ol 
pliy&ic ; linseed oil being the most pro])er. Let the stomach rest 
a week ; give another course of balls and dose of physic, after 
which let the horse have a drachm of sulphate of iron (powdered) 
twice a day with his feed of corn. 

There is no medicine which is so effectual for removing worms 
in the horse as tartar emetic, and none which is so entirely innocu- 
ous to the stomach. Calomel and spirit of turpentine were formerly 
in use as vermifuges, but they are both dangerous drugs; the 
former, if given for any length of time, causing great derangement 
of the stomach and liver; and the latter often producing consi- 
derable inflammation after a single dose, if sufficiently large to 
cause the expulsion of the worms. Linseed oil given in half-pint 
doses every morning is also an excellent vermifuge, but not equal 
to the tartar emetic. If this quantity does not relax the bowels 
it may be increased until they are rendered slightly more loose 
than usual, but avoiding anything like purgation. 

Tlie smaller species of intestinal worm chiefly inhabits the rec- 
tum, but is occasionally found in the colon and csecum. It pro- 
duces great irritation and uneasiness, but has not the same preju- 
dicial efi'ect on the health as the larger parasite. It is about one 
to two inches in length, and somewhat smaller in diameter than a 
crow quill. These worms are commonly distinguished as ascarides. 
but both this species and the round worm belong to the genus 
ai carls. The term thread worm is more correctly applied, as they 
are not unlike sections of stout thread or cotton. The only symp- 
tom by which their presence can be made out is the rubbing of 
the tail, when if, on examination, no vermin or eruption is found 
in the dock, it may be presumed that worms exist in the rectum. 
The remedi/ for these worms is by the injection every morning fcr 
a week of a pint of linseed oil, containing two drachms of spirit of 
turpentine. This will either kill or bring away the worms, witli 
the exception of a few which are driven by it higher up into tba 



DISEASES OF THE LIVER AND KIDNEYS. 85 

jolon, but by waiting a week or ten days (during which time they 
will have re-entered the rectum) and then repeating the process, 
they may generally be entirely' expelled. The sulphate of iron 
must be given here, as before described. 

DISEASES OF THE LIVER. 

The liver of the horse is less liable to disease than that of 
any other domestic animal, and the symptoms of its occurrence 
are so obscure that it is seldom until a post-mortem examinaticn 
that a discovery is made of its existence. This unerring guide, 
however, informs us that the liver is sometimes unnaturally en- 
larged and hard, at others softened, and in others again the sub- 
ject of cancerous deposits. It is also attacked by inflammation, 
of which the sj/mpfoms are feverishness ; rapid pulse, not hard and 
generally fuller than usual ; appetite bad ; restlessness, and the 
patient often looking round to his right side with an anxious ex- 
pression, not indicative of severe pain. Slight tenderness of the 
right side; but this not easily made out satisfactorily. Bowels 
generally confined, but there is sometimes diarrhoea. Very fre- 
quently the whites of the eyes show a tinge of yellow, but any- 
thing like jaundice is unknown. The fr^afmeiit must consist in 
the use of calomel and opium, with niild purging, thus : — 

Take' of Calomel, 

Powdered Opium, of each one drachm. 

Linseed Meal and boiling water enough to make into a ball, 
which should be given night and morning. Every other day 
a pint of Linseed Oil should be administered. 

The diet should if possible be confined to green food, which will do 
more good than medicine; indeed, in fine weather, a run at grass 
during the day should be preferred to all other remedies, taking 
care to shelter the horse at night in an airy loose-box. 

DISEASES OF THE KIDNEYS. 

These organs are particularly prone to disease, and are subject 
to inflammation ; to diabetes, or profuse staling; to haematuria, or 
a d'scharge of blood, and to torpidity, or inaction. 

Inflammation op the kidneys {uephritis) is generally pro* 
duced by an exposure of the loins to wet and cold, as in carriage- 
horses standing about in the rain during the winter season. Some- 
times it follows violent muscular exertion, and is then said to be 
caused by a strain in the back, but in these cases there is probably 
an exposure to cold in a state of exhaustion, or by the rupture of 
a branch of the renal artery or vein, as the inflammation of one 
organ can scarcely be produced by the strain of another. The 
symptoms are a constant desire to void the urine, which is of a 
very dark color — often almost black. Great pain, as evidenced by 

i4 



86 THE HORSE. 

the exprevSsloTi of countenance and by groans, as well as b}/ fre(iuent 
wifiliul looks at the loins. On pressing these parts there is some 
tenderness, but not excessive, as in rheumatism. The pulse is 
quick, hard, and full. The attitude of the hind quarters is pecu- 
liar, the horse standing in a straddling position with his back 
arched, and refusing to move without absolute compulsion It 19 
sometimes difficult to distinguish nephritis from inflammati'.n of 
the neck of the bladder, but by attending to the state of the urine, 
which is dark brown or black in the former case, and nearly of a 
natural color in the latter, the one may be diagnosed from the 
other. To make matters still more clear, the oiled hand may be 
passed into the rectum, when in nephritis the bladder will be found 
contracted and empty (the urine being so pungent as to irritate 
that organ), while in inflammation or spasm of its neck, it will be 
distended, often to a large size. The treatment to be adopted must 
be active, as the disease runs a very rapid course, and speedily ends 
in death if neglected. A large quantity of blood must at once be 
taken. The skin must be acted on energetically, so as to draw the 
blood to its surface, and if a Turkish bath (see pnge 215) is at 
hand, it will be highly beneficial. If not, the application of hot 
water, as recommended at page 342, may be tried, and in many 
cases it has acted like a charm. Failing the means for carrying 
out either of these remedies, the loins should be rubbed with an 
embrocation consisting of olive oil, liquid ammonias and laudanum 
in equal parts, but cantharides and turpentine must be carefully 
avoided, as likely to be absorbed, when they would add fuel to the 
tire. A fresh sheepskin should be warmed with hot (not boiling) 
water, and applied over the back, and the liniment should be 
rubbed in profusely every hour, restoring the skin to its place im- 
mediately afterwards. Mustard is sometimes used instead of am- 
monia, and as it is always at hand, it may form a good substitute, 
but it is not nearly so powerful an irritant to the skin as the latter, 
especially when evaporation is prevented by the sheepskin, or by 
a piece of any waterproof article. A mild aperient may be giveu, 
linseed oil being the best form, but if the bowels continue ob- 
stinate, and it is necessary to repeat it, eight or ten drops of croton 
oil may be added to a pint of the oil, great care being taken lo 
assist its action by raking and injection, the latter being also use- 
ful as a fomentation to the kidneys. The diet shoul i consist of 
Rcalded linseed and bran mashes, no water being allowed without 
containing sufficient linseed tea to make it slightly glutinous, but 
not so much so as to nauseate the patient. If the symptoms are 
£(0t greatly abated in six or eight hours, the bleeding must be re- 
p3ated, for upon ^his remedy the chief dependence must be placed. 
A mild and soothing drench, composed of half an ounce of car- 
bonate of soda, dissolved in six ounces of linseed tea^ myy be given 



DISEASES OF THE KIDNEYS. 87 

every six hours, but little reliance can be placed upon it. The 
inflauiuiation either abates after the bleeding, or the horse dies in 
a verj few hours. 

J^IABETES of late years has been much more frequent than wiis 
formerly the case, and especially among race-horses and hunters, 
probably owing to the enormous quantities of corn which they are 
allowed in the present day. But whatever may be the cause, the 
symptoms are clear enough, the horse const.intly staling and pass- 
ing large quantities of urine each time. The treatment should be 
conducted on the principle that the cause should if possible be 
ascertained and removed. Mowburnt hay will often bring on dia- 
betes, and new oats have a similar tendency in delicate horses. la 
any case it is wise to make a total change in the food as far as it 
can possibly be done. Green meat will often check it at once, and 
a bran-mash containing a few carrots has a similar chance of doing 
good. With these alterations in the quality of the food attention 
should also be paid to the quant it 1/ of the corn, which should be 
reduced if more than a peck a day has been given, and beans should 
be substituted for a part of the oats. Half a drachm of the sul- 
phate of iron (powdered) should be mixed with each feed (that is, 
four times a day), and the liorse should be well clothed and his legs 
warmly bandaged in a cool and airy^ (but not cold and draughty) 
loose box By attention to these directions the attack may gener- 
ally be subdued in a few days, but there is always a great tendency 
to its return. Should it persist in spite of the adoption of the 
measures already recommended, the following ball may be tried : — 

Take of Gallic Acid | drachm. 

Opium 1 drachm. 

Treacle and Linseed Meal enough to make into a ball, which should be 
given twice a day. 

rii^MATUREA, like diabetes, is easily recognised by the prCiSenea 
of blood in greater or less quantities passed with the urine. It is 
not, however, of the bright red color natural to pure blood, but it 
is more or less dingy, and sometimes of a smoky-brown color, as 
occurs in inflammation. Bloody urine, however, may often be 
passed without any sign of that condition, and therefore unaccom- 
panied by pain, or any other urgent symptom. The causes are 
exceedingly various. Sometimes a parasitic worm (^StrongyJus 
oiffas) has been discovered, after death from haimatarea, in the 
kidney, and was apparently the cause of the mischief At others, 
thi^ organ has been found disorganized by cancer or melanosis — 
and again a sharp calculus has been known to bring on consider- 
able bleeding, and this last cause is by no means unfrequent. The 
symptoms are the existence of bloody urine unaccompanied by pain 
or irritation, marking the absence of nephritis. As to treatment^ 
littlt can be done in severe cases, and mild ones only require rest, 



88 THE flORSB. 

a dose of pliysic, and perhaps the abstraction of three or four 
quarts of blood. Green food should be given, and the diet should 
be attended to as for diabetes. If the urine is scanty, yet evidently 
^here is no inflammation, two or three drachms of nitre may bo 
given with the mash at night, but this remedy should be employed 
with great caution. 

Inaction of the kidneys is so common in every stable that 
the groom seldom thinks it necessary even to inform his master of 
its occurrence. An ounce of nitre is mixed and given with a bran- 
mash as a matter of course, and sometimes more violent diuretics 
are resorted to, such as powdered resin and turpentine. Very 
often the kidneys are only inactive because the horse has not been 
regularly watered, and in those stables where an unlimited supply 
is allowed this condition is comparatively rare. There is no harn 
in resorting to nitre occasionally, but if it is often found necessary 
to employ this drug, the health is sure to suSer, and an alteratis^r 
in the diet should be tried in preference. At all events, if it in 
given, the horse should be allowed to drink as much and as often 
as he likes, without which the stimulus to the kidneys will be 
doubly prejudicial, from being in too conceotrated a form. 

DISEASES OF THE BLADDEK. 

The bladder is subject to inflammation of its coats or neck- 
to spasm — and to the formation of calculi. 

Inflammation of the bladder (cystitis) is not very common 
excepting when it is produced by irritants of a mechanical or chemi- 
cal nature. Thus, when the kidneys secrete a highly irritating 
urine, the bladder suffers in its passage, and we have the two 
organs inflamed at the same time. Again, when cantharides have 
been given with a view to stimulate exhausted nature, or when 
they are absorbed from the surface of the skin, as sometimes hap- 
pens in blistering, the bladder is liable to become inflamed. The 
sj/mptoms are — a quick pulse — pain in the hind quarter, evinced 
by the looks of the animal in that direction — and constant strain- 
ing to pass the urine, which is thick and mixed with mucus, or 
in aggravated cases with purulent matter The treatmeyit* to be 
adopted if the case is severe will consist in venesection, back-rak- 
ing, and purgation with linseed or castor oil, avoiding aloes, which 
have a tendency to irritate the bladder. Linseed tea should be 
given as the sole drink, and scalded linseed mixed with a bran- 
mash as food. The following ball may also be given, and repeated 
if necessary : — 

Take of Towdcred Opium 1 drachm. 

Tartar emetic 1.] drachm. 

To b2 made up into a ball with Linseed JNIeal and boilino; water aniF 
^iven every six hours. 



DISEASES OF THE BLADDER, ETC. 89 

Ketention of urine maybe due either to inflammatii)n of the 
i3eck of the bladder, oecasioninp; a spasmodic closure of that part, 
or there may be spasm unattended by inflammation and solelj; due 
to the irritation of some offendin,G; substance, such as a calculus, 
or a small dose of cantharides. The treatment in either oase must 
be directed to the spasmodic constriction, which is generally jnder 
the control of large doses of opium and camphor, that is, from 
one drachm to two drachms of each, repeated every five cr six 
hours. If the symptoms are urgent, bleeding may also be reported 
to, and when the bladder is felt to be greatly distended, no time 
should be lost in evacuating it by means of the catheter, which 
operation, however, should only be intrusted to a regular practi- 
tioner accustomed to its use. 

Calculi in the bladder are formed of several earthy salts, and 
present various forms and appearances, which may be comprised 
under four divisions. 1st. The mulberry calculus, so named from 
its resemblance to a mulberry, possessing generally a nucleus. 2d. 
A very soft kind resembling fuller's earth in appearance, and being 
chiefly composed of phosphate of lime and mucus. 3d. Calculi 
of a white or yellowish color, rough externally and easily friable. 
And 4th. Those which are composed of regular layers, and which 
are harder than the second and third varieties. 

The mulberry calculus, from its extremely rough surface, occa- 
sions more irritation than other forms, but during life it is impos- 
sible to ascertain the exact chemical nature of the calculus which 
may be ascertained to exist. These calculi sometimes attain an 
immense size, weighing several pounds. The symptoms are a dif- 
ficulty of voiding the urine, which generally comes away in jerks 
after great straining and groaning. The horse remains with his 
legs extended for some time afterwards, and evidently indicates 
that he feels as if his bladder was not relieved. Often there is 
muco-purulent matter mixed with the urine, which is rendered 
thick and glutinous thereby, but this only happens in cases of long 
standing. The treatment must be either palliative or curative. If 
the former, it should consist in the adoption of the means employed 
for subduing irritation and inflammation of the bladder which 
have been already described. The cure can only be effected by 
removing the stone. This requires the performance of a difficult 
and dangerous operation (lithotomy), the details of which can be 
only useful to the professed veterinary surgeon, and I shall there- 
fore omit them here. 

DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF GENERATION. 

Balanitis, or Inflammation of the glans penis {[^dlavnc;^ glans)j 
is very common in the horse, being brought on by the decomposi- 
ti.m of the natural secretions^ when they have been allowed to 



00 THE HORSE. 

collect for any length of time. At first there is niciely a slight 
discharge of pus, but in process of time foul sores break out, and 
very often fungous growths spring from them, which block up the 
passage through the opening of the sheath, and cause considerable 
swelling and inconvenience These are quite distinct from warts, 
which occur in this part just as they do in other situations. Tho 
treatment re(juires some skill and experience, because mild reme- 
dies are of no use, and severe ones arc not unattended with danger. 
The parts must first of all be well cleansed by syringing, or if the 
end of the penis can be laid hold of, by washing with a sponge. 
The following wash may then be applied, and it should be repeated 
every day : — 

Take of solution of C> loridft of Zinc 2 drarhnis. 

Water 1 pint. Mix. 

If the morbid growths are very extensive, nothing but amputa- 
tion of the penis or the use of corrosive sublimate will remove 
them. Severe haemorrhage sometimes follows both of these mea- 
sures, but it seldom goes on to a dangerous extent. Still it is 
scarcely advisable for any one but a professional man to undertake 
the operation. 

In the mare the vagina is sometimes inflamed, attended Avith 
a copious yellow discharge. An injection of the wash mentioned 
ill the last paragraph will generally soon set the matter right. At 
first it should be used only of half the strength, gradually increa.s- 
ing it, until the full quantity of chloride of zinc is employed. 

Inversion of the uterus sometimes follows parturition, but 
it is very rare in the mare. The uterus should be at once replaced, 
using as little force as possible, and taking care before the hand 
is withdrawn, that it really is turned back again from its inverted 
position. 

Nymphomania occurs sometimes in mares at the time of being 
"in use," and goes on to such an extent as to render them abso- 
lutely regardless of pain, for the time being, though not to make theu 
lose their consciousness. They will kick and squeal till they be- 
come white with sweat, and no restraint will prevent them from 
trying to continue their violent attempts to destroy everything 
behind them. These symptoms are especially developed in the 
presence of other animals of the" same species, whether mares or 
geldings; but the near proximity of an entire horse will be still 
worse. If placed in a loose box, without any restraint whatever, 
they generally become more calm, and when the state is developed, 
Buch a plan sliould always be adopted. It is chiefly am )ng highly- 
fed and liglilly-worked mares that tlie disease is manifested ; and 
a dose of physic with starvation in a loose box, away from any 
other horse, will very soon put an end to it in almost every instance. 



MAD STAGGERS— EPILEPSY. 91 



CHAPTER V. 
DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 

PhrerMis, or Mad Staggers — Epilepsy and Convulsions — Meg rim i 
— Rabies, Hydrophobia, or Madness — Tetanus, or Lock-jaw-^ 
Apoplexy and Paralysis — String Halt — Coup de Soieil, cr Sun 
stroke. 

PIIRENITIS, OR MAD STAGGERS. 

Phrenitis seldom occurs, except in over-fed and liglitly-workcd 
horses, nor among them is it by any means a common dis- 
ease. The early symptoms are generally those of an ordinary 
cold ; there is heaviness of the eyes, with a redness of the con- 
junctiva, and want of appetite. After a day or two occupied by 
these premonitory signs, which will seldom serve to put even the 
most experienced observer on his guard, the horse become-s sud- 
denly delirious, attempting to bite and strike every one who comes 
near him, regardless of the ordinary influences of love and fear. 
He plunges in his stall, attempts to get free from his halter rein, and 
very often succeeds in doing so, when he will stop at nothing to 
gain still further liberty. If unchecked he soon dashes himself to 
pieces, and death puts an end to his struggles. The only treat- 
ment which is of the slightest use is bleeding till the horse abso- 
lutely falls, or till he becomes quite quiet and tractable, if the case 
is only a mild one. Immediately afterwards a large dose of tartar 
emetic (two or three drachms) should be given, followed in an 
hour or two by a strong physic br.ll ; or, if the case is a very bad 
one, by a drench, containing half a pint of castor oil and six or 
eight drops of croton oil. Clysters and back-raking will of course 
be required, to obviate the risk of hard accumulations in the 
bowels, but where there is great violence, they cannot always be 
employed and the case must take its chance in these respects. 
The diet should be confined to a few mouthfuls of hay or grass, 
with a plentiful supply of water. 



EPILEPSY AND CONVULSIONS. 

TnESE diseases, or symptoms of disease, are not often met 
with in the adult, but in the foal they sometimes occur, and are 
not unattended with danger. The young thing will perhaps gallop 
after its dam round and round its paddock, and then all at once stop, 



92 THE HORSE. 

Stagger, and fall to the ground, where it lies, struggling with morvf 
or less violence, for a few minutes or longer, and then raises its 
head, stares about it, gets up, and is apparently as well as ever. 
It is generally in the hot days of summer that the^e attacks occur, 
and it appears highly probable that the direct rays of the sun 
pla}ing on the head have something to do with it. Death seldom 
takes place during the first attack, but sometimes after two or 
tarce repetitions the convulsions go on increasing, and the foal 
liecomes comatose and dies. A mild dose of linseed oil is the only 
remed(/ which can safely be resorted to, and as it is supposed that 
worms will sometimes produce these convulsive attacks, it is on that 
account to be selected. Epilepsy is so very rarely met with ia 
the adult and of its causes and treatment so little is known, that 
I shall not trouble my readers with any account of them. 



MEGRIMS. 

This term is used to conceal our ignorance of the exact nature 
of several disordered conditions of the brain and heart. In fact, any 
kind of fit, not attended with convulsions, and only lasting a short 
time, is called by this name. The cause may be a fatty condition of 
the heart, by which sudden faintness and sometimes death are pro- 
duced, or it may consist in congestion of the vessels of the brain, 
arising from over work on a hot day, or from the pressure of tlie 
collar, or from disease of the valves of the heart. Attacks reputed 
to be megrims have been traced to each of these causes, and as in 
every case, the horse, while apparently in good health, staggers 
and falls, and after lying still for a minutes (during which there 
is seldom an opportunity of examining the state of the circulation) 
rises as well as before, there is no chance of distinguishing the one 
from the other. The most usual symptoms are the following : — The 
horse is perhaps trotting along, when all at once he begins shaking 
his head as if the bridle chafed his ears, which are drawn 
back close to the poll. The driver gets down to examine these 
facts, and observes the eyelids quivering, and the nostrils afi"ected 
with a trembling kind of spasm. Sometimes the rest will allow 
of the attack going off", but most fre-quently, the head is drawn to 
one side, the legs of that half of the body seem to be paralyzed, 
and the horse making a segment of a circle goes down, lies a few 
minutes on the ground, and then rises as if nothing had happened 
beyond a light sweating, and disturbance of the respiration. Treat- 
ment can be of little avail, however, unless a correct diagnosis is 
made, for remedies which would be suited to congestion would be 
prejudicial to a diseased heart. If the attack has happened while 



IIYDROPnOBTA. 



93 



n harness, the collar should always be carefully inspected, and if 
At all tight it should be replaced by a deeper one. A diseased 
slate of the valves of the heart ought to be discoverable by 
auscultation, but it requires a practised car to do this, and the 
directions for ascertaining its presence are beyond the scope ol this 
book. ^J'he only plan which can safely be adopted, is to take the 
subject of megrims quietly home to his stable, and carefully ex- 
amine into the condition of all his functions with a view to im- 
prove the action of any orimn which appears to be out of order, 
whatever it may be. If alt seems to be going on well— if the appe- 
tite is good, and the heart acts with regularity and with due lorce, 
while the brain seems clear, and the; eye is not either dull or sut- 
fuse.l with blood— nothing should be attempted, but the horse 
being subject to a second attack, as proved by manifold experience, 
should be put to work in which no great danger can be appre- 
hended from them. He is not safe in any kind of carriage, fur it can 
never be known where the fall will take place; and as a saddle- 
horse he is still more objectionable, and should therefore be put to 
some commercial purpose, in executing which, if he falls, the only 
injury lie can effect is to property, and not to human life. 

RABIES, HYDROPHOBIA OR MADNESS. 

One reason only can be given for describing this disease, 

which is wholly beyond the reach of art ; but as the horse attacked 

bv it is most dangerous, the sooner he is destroyed the better ; and 

for this reason, every person who is likely to have any control ovei 

him, should be aware of the symptonis. As far as is known at 

present, Rabies is not idiopathically developed in the horse, but 

must follow the bite of a rabid individual belonging to one or other 

of the genera cank and fclis. The dog, being constantly about our 

stables, is the usual cause of the development of the disease, and 

it may supervene upon the absorption of the salivary virus without 

any malicious bite, as has happened according to more than one 

carefully recorded case. The lips of the horse arc liable to be 

ulcerated from the action of the bit, and there is reason to believe 

that in the early stages of rabies these parts have been licked by a 

dog, the saliva has been absorbed, and the inoculation has taken 

place just as it would do from any other wound. It is difficult to 

prove that this is the true explanation of those cases where no bite 

has been known to have occurred, but as the mouth has m each 

instance been shown to have been abraded, there is some reason 

for accepting it as such. To proceed, however, to the ^i/mpfom.s, 

Mr. Youatt,"who has had great opportunities for examining rabies, 

both in the dog and horse, describes the earliest as consisting lu 

"a spasmodic movement of the upper lip, particularly of the angles 

of the lip. Close following on this, or contemporaneous with lU 



94 THE HORSE. 

are tlie dej^ressed nnJ anxious countcnnocc, nnd inqninng gaze, 
suddenly, however, lighted up, and becoming fierce and menacing 
from some unknown cause, or at the approach of a stranger. From 
time to time different parts of the frame, the eyes, tlie jaws, par- 
ticular limbs, will be convulsed. The eye will occasionally wander 
after some imaginary object, and the horse will snap \gain and 
again at that which has no real existence. Then will come the 
irrepiessible det:ire to bite tiie attendants or the animals within its 
reach. To this will succeed the demolition of the rack, the manger, 
and the wliole furniture of the stable, accompanied by the peculiar 
dread of water, which has already been described. Towards the 
close of the disease there is generally paralysis, usually confined to 
the loins and the hinder extremities, or involving those organs 
which derive their nervous influence from this portion of the spinal 
cord; hence the distressing tenesmus which is occasionally seen." 
How paralysis can produce tenesmus is not very clear, but of the 
very general existence of this symptom there can be no doubt. The 
dread of water, as well as of draughts of cold air, is also clearly 
made out to exist in this disease (as in human rabies), and the 
♦.erm hydrophobia will serve to distinguish it better than in tlie 
dog, where it is as clearly absent. Whenever, therefore, these 
symptoms follow upon the bite of a dog, unless the latter is un- 
questionably in good health, rabies may l^e suspected, and the bare- 
suspicion ought always to lead to the use of the bullet, which iS 
the safest way of killing a violent horse. 'J'here is only one disease 
(phreiiifis) with which it can be confounded, and in that the 
absence of all consciousness and, in milder cases, of fear, so that 
no moral control whatever can be exercised, marks its nature, and 
clearly distinguishes it from rabies, the victim to which is con- 
scious to the last, and though savage and violent in the extreme, 
is aware of the power of man, and to some extent und^r his 
influence. 

TETANUS— LOCK-JAW. 

Tetanus, one form of which is known as lock-jaw, has its seat 
apparently in the nervous system, but, like many other diseases of 
the same class, the traces it leaves behind are extremely uncertain, 
and are displayed more on the secondary organs, through which it 
is manifested, than on those which we believe to be at the root of the 
mischief Thus the muscles, which have been long kept in a state 
of spasm, show the marks of this condition in their softened and 
apparently rotten condition. They in fact have had no interval 
of rest, during which nutrition could go on, and have lost much 
of the peculiarity of structure which enables them to contract. 
The stomach often shows marks of inflammation, but as all sorts 
of violent remedies are employed, this may be due to them rather 
than to idiopathic disease. The lungs also are generally congest ed« 



LOCK-JAW. 95 

nut here, like ihe state of the muscles, it may be a secondary effect 
of the long-continued exertions of the latter, which nothing bm 
the absence of all important lesions of the brain and spinal cord 
would induce the pathologist to pay the slightest attention to. 

Tetanus may be either idiopathic or symptomatic, but the 
former condition is somewhat rare. It almost always follows some 
operation, or a severe injury in which a nerve has been implicated, 
the most frequent causes being the piercing of the sok by a nail, 
or a prick in shoeing, or the operations of docking, nicking, castra- 
tion, &c. 

The symptoms are a permanent rigidity of certain voluntary 
muscles, and especially of the lower jaw (whence the popular 
name, lock-jaw). The mouth is kept rigidly shut, the masseter 
muscles feeling as hard as a deal board. One or both sides of the 
neck are rigid, in the former case the head being turned to one 
side, and in the latter stretched out as if carved in marble. The 
nostrils are dilated ; the eyes retracted, with the haws thrust for- 
ward over them; the ears erect and stiff, and the countenance an 
if horror-struck. At first the extremities are seldom involved, 
but as the disease progresses their control is first lost, and then 
they become rigid, like the neck and head. The patient is scarcely 
able to stand, and plants his feet widely apart to prop himself up, 
wtiile at last the tail also becomes a fixture. The pulse varies a 
good deal, in some cases being quick, small, and hard, and in 
others slow and labored. The bowels are generally costive, and 
the urine scanty; but this last symptom is not so well marked aa 
the state of the bowels alluded to. The treatment should be of a 
two-fold nature, partly palliative and partly curative. Since the 
introduction into use of chloroform we have possessed a drug which 
invariably enables us to remove the spasm for a time, and if it 
does nothing more, it gives room for other remedies to act and 
relieve the patient from the horrible tortures which are occasioned 
by the spasm, while it also allows the muscular and nervous powers 
to be recruited. When, therefore, a case of tetanus occurs in a 
horse of any value, an apparatus for applying chloroform (described 
under the chapter on Operations) should be procured, and the 
animal at once placed under its influence. This done, the whole 
length of the spine should be blistered with tincture of cantharides, 
and an active aperient should be given, consisting, if practicable, 
of a pint of castor oil, and six or eight drops of croton oil. Thia 
may be pumped down the throat by the usual syriiige and tube, 
if the front teeth can be separated; but if this cannot be done, 
some solid catliartic must be selected, though there is often aa 
Biuch difficulty in forcing a ball down as in passing an elastic tube. 
Failing in either of these, two drachms of calomel, and the same 
quantity of tartar emetic fahould be slightly damped, and placed in 



96 THE HORSE. 

the mouth as far back as possible, in the hope that they maybe 
p^radually swallowed ; the bowels should be raked, and copious 
injections of castor oil and turpentine, mixed with several quarts 
of gruel, should be thrown up. If these remedies fail, nature must 
be left to her own resources, and they will sometimes be found 
equal to the task, for many cases have recovered after having been 
given up ls beyond the reach of our art. Opium, henbane^ 
digitalis, hellebore, and a host of other drugs have been tried, 
sometimes with, and sometimes without success, and perhaps it is 
worth while, after the bowels have been well relieved, to give a 
full dose of one or other of these powerful remedies, such as two 
drachms of solid opium ; but I confess that I think little reliance 
is to be placed on them, and I prefer the adoption of chloroform 
every six hours, continued for about two or three hours and o;ra- 
dually withdrawn, leaving the cure to the action ot the blistei and 
purgatives 



APOPLEXY AND PARALYSIS. 

Usually these are only different degrees of the same disease, 
but there are exceptions in which the latter is produced by somo 
chronic affection of the spinal cord or brain. As a rule both de- 
pend upon pressure made on the brain by an overloaded state of 
the vessels^ commonly known as congestion, or by extravasation 
of blood, in which it escapes from them. 

Apoplexy, known among writers of the old school as sleepy 
staggers, is not often met with in the present day, owing to the 
improvement in the management of our stables, and specially to 
their better ventilation. It is marked by great sleepiness, from 
which the horse can be with difficulty roused, soon going on to 
absolute unconsciousness, attended by a slow snoring respiration, 
and speedily followed by death. The only trpatmcnt likely to be 
successful is copious bleeding, purgation, and blisters to the head 
and neck. 

Paralysis is marked by a loss of power over the muscles of a 
part, and may be confined to one limb or organ or extend to more. 
It is a ajymptom of pressure on, or disorganization of, some pait oP 
the nervous system, and must be considered as such, and n«it as a 
disease of the affected muscles. Thus it requires a knowledge of 
anatomy to trace it to its seat, without which its treatment woild 
be conducted on false principles. Ky far the most common forn. 
of paralysis is hemiplegia, or paralysis of the nnscles of the liindci 
extremities and loins, generally arising from an injury to the spine. 
Sometimes the body of a vertebra is broken, and the parts being 
separated, their edges nress upon the spinal cord and produce the 
disease. At others the vessels within the canal have received a 



PARALYSIS— STRING HALT. 97 

shock, an 1 the serous membrane secretes (or allows to ooze out) 
\ bloody fluid which pre.fses upon the cord, and produce? the same 
effect but in a more <:radual manner. In India, a disease known 
there as Kuniree causes paralysis of the hinder extremities, and is 
due to inflammation of the membranes, which secrete a bloody 
eerum. In this country, however, paraplegia is very rare except- 
ius; as the result of accident. 

When a horse falls in hunting, and never moves his hind 
legs afterwards, but lies with his fore legs in the position to get 
up, groaning and expressing great pain and distress, it may be 
concluded that he has fractured or dislocated his spine and that 
the case is hopeless. Sometimes, however, after lying for a few 
seconds, he slowly and with difficulty rises anu i« .ed to a stable, 
but after two or three hours lies down and cannot be got up again. 
Here there will be some difficulty in ascertaining whether the mis- 
chief is confined to a strain of the muscles or is situated within 
the vertebral canal. If the former is the case the pain is extreme, 
and generally there will be some quivering or slight spasm of one 
or more of the muscles of the hinder extremity, which feel natu- 
rally firm, while in paralysis they feel soft and are as quiet as they 
would be after death. By attention to these signs the two cases 
may be distinguished, but when the case is made out to be true 
paralysis the treatment is not likely (even if successful in preserv- 
ing life) to bring about a useful restoration to healthy action. In 
valuable horses an attempt may be made by bleeding, physicking 
and blistering, to produce an absorption of the effused serum oi 
blood, but the recovered animal is se-ldom worth the outlay, and 
too often as soon as he is put to any kind of work is subject to a 
relapse. The most humane and certainly the most economical 
plan is to put him out of his misery at once by a pistol ball or 
knife, but if it is determined to try what can be done towards 
effecting a cure, no better means can be adopted than those I have 
alluded to. 



STRING HALT. 

This is a peculiar snatching up of the hind leg, and la 
8up])0sed to depend upon some obscure disease of the sciatic nerve. 
It however is very doubtful whether this explanation is well 
founded, and there is evidence that in some cases the hock itself 
Las been affected. The extensor pedis seems to be the muscle 
most i5everely implicated, though not the only one which is thrown 
into spasmodic action. No treatment is of the slightest avail. 
Horses with string halt are able to do any kind of work, but it ia 
considered to be a form of unsoundness. 

7 



98 THE HORSE. 

[SUNSTROKE— COUP DE SOLETL. 

Tins DISEASE of late years has become of so frequent occ.ir 
rence, that although not mentioned by previous veterinary writers. i\ 
demands a notice from us. The chief symptoms are exhaustion 
and stupidity, the animal usually falling to the ground and being 
unable to go further. 

To PREVENT IT, allow the horse at short intervals a few raoutli 
fuls of water, and fasten a wet sponge over the forehead. The 
sun-shades now used by extensive owners of horses, will go very 
far in lessening the occurrence of this affection. 

The following treatment^ when attended to at once, in the majo'-ity 
of cases will prove effectual. 

First. Remove the horse from the harness to a cool shady 
place. Second. Give two ounces of sulphuric ether ; 20 drops of the 
cincture of aconite root and a bottle of ale or porter as a drench to 
sustain the vital powers, and to act as a powerful stimulant in 
equalizing the circulation throughout the body; wiiilst, Thirdlij. 
Chopped ice is to be placed in a coarse towel, cloth or bag, and 
laid between the ears and over the forehead, secured in any way 
the ingenuity of the person in charge may suggest. If the legs 
be cold, bandages will be of advantage. Do not put the horse to 
work again until he is completely restored. Dumbness is the 
usual result of sun-stroke — a species of coma — for which there if 
no t'uro. Horses so affected are of little use in warm weather but 
are useful in winter. 



INFLAMMATION OF THE EYE 99 

CHAPTER VI. 
DISEASES AND INJ^JRIES OF CERTAIN SPECIAL ORGANS. 

Diseases of the Ear — Inflammation of the Eye — Cataract — Amau- 
rosis — Buck-eye — Sufat — Hidebound — Mange — Lice — Mai- 
lenders and Sallenders— Warbles, Sitfasts and Harness-Galls — 
Grubs — Bites and Stings of Insects — Swelled Legs — Chapped 
Heels — Grease and Scratches — Warts — Corns — Sander ack — 
False Quarter — Ouittor — Thrush — Canker — Lam^mtis — Seedy 
Toe— Contraction oj the Foot — Navicular Disease — Accidents 
to the Legs and Feet. 

DISEASES OF THE EAR. 

Deafness is sometimes met with in the horse, but I know of no 
S3anptoms by which its precise nature can be made out; and with- 
out ascertaining the seat of the disease, it is useless to attempt to 
treat it. 

Sometimes from a blow on the external ear inflammation is 
set up, and an abscess forms ; but all that is necessary is to open it, 
so that the matter can readily flow out as fast as it forms, without 
which precaution it will not readily heal. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE EYE. 

This important organ is subject to three forms of inflamma- 
tion, to opacity of the lens, and to paralysis of the nerve, called 
amaurosis. 

Simple inflammation is the most common of all the diseases 
to which the horse's eye is sabjcct, and it precedes most of the 
others. It is always the result of any injury of this part, or of 
cold ; and it shows itself if there is a tendency to inflammation 
of this organ, whenever the horse is in a state of plethora. The 
st/mptoma arc an intolerance of light, so that the eye is kept half 
closed, by which it looks smaller than the other; a gummy secre- 
tion glues the lids together at the angles; the eyelids are slightly 
swollen, showing a distended state of their veins; and there is 
more or less watering or overflowing of tears. When the lids are 
separated, their internal surface looks more red than natural, and 
the white of the eye is covered with a net-work of fine red ves- 
sels. After the second day the transparent cornea loses its clear- 
ness, and becomes muddy, sometimes over the whole mirface, and 
at others iu specks. If the disease is allowed to go on unchecked, 
the cornea is involved, and the lining membrane of the aqueous 
humor follows ; a secretion of pus takes place into the chamber, 
or the cornea ulcerates, and the con 'cuts of the eye escape. Thf 



100 THE HORSE. 

treatment should \ie a copious bleeding frem the jugular vein, fol- 
lowed by a ball, such as — 



Take of CommoTi Physic Ball 2 drachms. 

Tartar Emetic ] drachm. 

Mix and giv^ every six hours. 

rhia not only acts on the intestines, but it keeps up a constant 
naipoa, and so tends to lower the action of the heart. The eye 
should be bathed with warm water frequently; and, if the mischief 
be sev ro, a seton should at once be put into the skin covering the 
upper jaw, about two inches below the eye. On the next day, if 
" the white" still looks red, the bleeding must be repeated ; and, 
if the bowels are much moved, the tartar emetic may be continued 
without the aloes, while if they are obstinate, the dose of the lat- 
ter may be increased. When the acute symptoms have somewhat 
diminished, a cnmel's-hair brush may be dipped in wine of opium, 
and the eye gently touched with it daily, which will generally co.m- 
plete the cure. The diet must be low, corn being forbidden en- 
tirely, and the stable should be kept very cool and airy. 

Purulent ophthalmia is confined to the conjunctiva, and it 
may be recognised by the profuse discharge of purulent fluid 
which takes place. The eyelids are much swollen, and the white 
of the eye is covered with a puffy red membrane, which rises up 
ijbove the level of the cornea, sometimes in fungoid excrescences. 
This form of inflammation is generally epidemic, and sometimes 
runs through a stable without a single exception. The treatment 
should be, at first, similar to that recommended for simple inflam- 
mation ; but when it reaches the chronic stai^^e, a more powerful 
stimulus is required to restore the vessels to a healthy condition. 
A wash composed as follows, must therefore be applied : — 



Take of Nitrate of Silver 6 grs. 

Distilled Water 1 oz. 

Mix, and drop a little into the eye from a quill dailj. 



Iritis, or inflammation of the iris, generally known as aprcijic 
ophthalmia, is the most formidable of all the diseases to which the 
eye is subject, and, if not checked, rapidly disorp-anizes it; while 
it also, even when riinning an unusually favorable course, is very 
apt to produce opacity of the lens or its"^ capsule (cataract). This 
pest of ^the stable is, undoubtedly, often brought on by over stimu- 
lation, first of the whole body, through the fo'od, and secondly, of 
the eyes themselves, through the foul emanations from the aecn- 



DISEASES OF THE EYE. 101 

mulatcd urine and dung. But these would produce no such eflfect 
in a horse, unless he were predisposed to ophthalmia; and we fina 
that cattle and sheep are often fed to an enormous degree of obe- 
sity, in far closer and worse ventilated stalls, without any prejudu 
cial effect upon their eyes. It may, then, be assumed, that these 
orcrans in a horse have a tendency to put on intlammation ; but 
thourrh these words are true they explain nothing of the real cause, 
and only serve to conceal our ignorance of it. There is another 
aucs^ion bearing upon this subject, which is of the highest import- 
ance. Is the stock of blind horses more liable to blindness than 
that of sound ones? This has been discussed so often, that it is 
Bcarcely possible to throw any fresh light upon it, chiefly because 
it is so difficult to rely upon the facts adduced pro and co7i. Bliud- 
ness is often the result of accident, and such cases are believed to be 
exceptional, and not at all likely to hand down the disease ; but, on 
the contrary, I am inclined to believe that many of them show a. 
marked tendency to its development; for an accident never destroys 
both eyes, and when one follows the other, it is a pretty sure sign that 
there is a tendency to ophthalmia. On the whole, it may, I think, be 
issumed, that the tendency to specific ophthalmia is handed down 
from generation to generation, and, consequently, that the offspring 
of a horse who has gone blind from that cause is peculiarly prone 
to it. Its symptoms appear very rapidly, the eye haying been 
quite rio-ht over night, looks contracted and almost closed next 
morning, and on inspecting it closely "the white" looks of a c/.'^;> 
red the cornea looks muddy, and the colored part of the eye (the 
iris) has lost its bright color, and often shows one or two white specks 
upon it (these must not be confounded with specks on the cornea). 
As the disease advances, the intolerance of light is very great, the 
cornea and iris become gradually more muddy, and either lymph 
IS thrown out on the latter in the shape of white patches, or pus 
is secreted and fills the chamber of the aqueous humor, in part or 
whollv If the treatment is sufficiently energetic, these signs 
abate; the pus or lymph is absorbed, and the eye recovers its trans- 
parencv ; but there are generally some traces left behind iSleed- 
incr (either from the jugular or the angular veins of the ta^ce), 
moderate purging, and a seton, are the remedies best calculated to 
effect this object, conjoined with an airy stable and a light diet. 
Unfortunately, however, iritis is almost sure to return on tht- 
restoration of the ur,ual food, and exposure to the elements ; and 
hence it is of the utmost consequence in purchasing a norse to 
examine his eyes for the mark^ left behind by it. If the case is 
hopeless, it becomes a question whether or not it will be wise to 
put an end to the inflammation by destroying the affected eye lor 
it is well known that if it goes on for any length of time the other, 
sound eye, becomes aflcctcJ. The only difficulty consists m ieci- 



102 THE HORSE. 

ing assuied that +liere is really no chance of recovery; for when 
once the eye is finally condemned, the sooner it is opened and ita 
contents evacuated, the sooner will the horse return to his work, and 
the more chance has the other eye of escaping. The operation is 
very simple, and merely requires a sharp-pointed knife to be passed 
into the anterior chamber from one edge of the cornea, and driven 
back till it cuts into the lens, when it is to be brought out on tha 
other side of the cornea, and the whole of the humors will escape 
on making pressure upon the upper eyelid. 

Tn injuries of the eye, fomentation with warm water should 
be crrried on for half an hour, and then omitted for three or foui 
hours ; after which it may be repeated again and again, at similar 
intervals. Great care should be taken to remove any extraneous 
bodies, such as particles of dust, &e. 

Cataract, or opacity of the lens, is very commonly the result 
of iritis, its capsule having been coated with a layer of white lymph, 
deposited by the inflamed vessels ; but it also sometimes makes its 
appearance without being preceded by any of the signs of inflam- 
mation. In the former case, the early symptoms are those of iritis ; 
but in the latter, the opacity often goes on increasing, without the 
owner of the horse, or his groom, having his attention drawn to 
the eyes, until he finds that he is nearly blind. This progress is 
generally marked by the development of an unusual timidity; the 
previously-bold animal is alarmed at objects advancing on the road, 
and covered carts and wagons, of which he formerly took no notice, 
occasion him to shy in the most timid manner. On examining bin 
eyes carefully, instead of the beautifully clear pupil, with the re- 
flection of tapetum lucidum shining through it, there is seen eitlier 
a mass of dull white, generally more opaque in the centre, or an 
appearance of mottled, semi-transparent soap, or, lastly, one or two 
distinct white spots, not quite circular, but with irregular edges. 
In confirmed cataract, the white pupil can been seen at any dis- 
tance; but in the very early stage, only a practised eye can detect 
the opacity, which, however, is so manifest to him that he wonders 
it is not visible to every one else. The reason of this diflSculty of 
detecting the alteration of structure seems to be, that inexperienced 
examiners look at the eye in such a manner that they are confused 
by the reflection on it of their own faces, hiding all beneath. If, 
however, they will turn their heads a little more on one side, th?8 
will disappear, and they cannot fail to perceive the disease. When 
cataract is clearly proved to exist, all idea of ti-eatment may be 
abandoned, as nothing but an operation can procure a removal of 
tlie opacity ; and that would leave the horse in a more useless con- 
dition than before, since he could see nothing clearly, and would 
only be subject to continual alarms. In the liuman being, the 
operation i& performed with great success, because the lens whijli 



AMAUROSIS— BUCK EYE. . 103 

w r>aci ificcd can ba replaced externally by means of convex glasses , 
but in the horse, nothing of the kind can be done. Hence, it 'u 
useliiss to dream of eifecting any improvement in this disease ; and 
if both eyes are the subject of cataract, the horse is incurably 
blind. But supposing there is a cataract in one eye only, is the 
other sure to go blind, or may a reasonable hope be entertained of 
its remaining sound? Here the history of the disease must be 
examined before any opinion can be formed If the opacity fol 
lowed an accident, there is no reason for concluding that, the othci 
eye will become diseased ; but if it came on idiupathically, either 
preceded by inflammation or otherwise, there is great risk of a 
repetition in the sound eye. Nevertheless, instances are common 
enough of one eye going blind from cataract, while the other re- 
mains sound to the end of life ; and those are still more fretjuent 
in which the one sound eye continues so for six or seven years. 

AMAUROSIS. 

TriTS TS A PALSY of the nervous expansion called the retina, 
produced by some disease, either functional or organic, of the optic 
nerve, which is generally beyond the reach of our senses, in ex- 
amining it after death. The sijmptoms are a full dilatation of the 
pupil, so that the iris is shrunk to a thin band around it, and is so 
insensible to the stimulus of light, in confirmed cases, that, even 
when the eye is exposed to the direct rays of the sun, it does not 
contract. In the early stages, this insensibility is only partial ; and 
though there is such complete blindness that the horse cannot dis- 
tinguish the nature of surrounding objects, yet the pupil contracts 
slightly, and the inexperienced examiner might pass the eye as a 
sound one. The unnaturally large pupil, however, should always 
create suspicion ; and when, on closing the lids and re-opening 
them in a strong light, there is little or no variation in its size, the 
nature of the disease is at once made apparent. The treatment of 
amaurosis must depend upon the extent to which it has gone, and 
its duration. If recent, bleeding and a seton in close proximity 
to the diseased organ will be the most likely to restore it. Some- 
times the disease depends upon a disordered condition of the sto- 
mach, and then a run at grass will be the most likely moans to 
restore both the affected organs to a sound state. Generally, how- 
ever, an amaurotic eye in the horse may be considered as a hope- 
less case. 

BUCK EYE. 

A BOCK EYE is, strictly, rather a congenital malformation than a 
disease; but practically, in reference to the utility of the animal, 
it matters little. It depends upon an excess of convexity in the 
cornea, by which the focus of the eye is shortened too much, the 
imago being thus rendered indistinct as it falls on the retiua. Nu 
trciitmcnt can be of the sli<2htesL use. 



104 THE HORSE. 



SURFEIT. 



An ERurrioN of tlie skin, which shows itself in the form of 
Dumerous small scabs, matting the hair, and chiefly met with on 
the loins and quarters, is known by this name. Doubtless, it has 
been supposed to arise from an excess of food, causing indigestion; 
bu. it often comes on in horses which, apparently, are quite free 
from that disorder. The most common cause appears to be, sweat- 
ing the horse when he is in a gross or plethoric condition, and then 
exposing him to a chill. Colts are very subject to surfeit whilo 
being broken, as are horses fresh from grass during the summer, 
when they are usually over-fat, and require great care in reducing 
this plethoric condition. The usual course of the eruption is for 
the scabs to dry and gradually loosen, when the hair of the part is 
slightly thinned by being pulled out in dressing, a fresh crop of 
pustules forming, and, to the casual observer, keeping up the ap- 
pearance of a permanent state of the original scabs. Surfeit is 
not confined to gross horses, as it sometimes makes its appearance 
in those which are low in condition, exhibiting the same appear- 
ance to the eye; but, on examination, the secretion from the skin 
will be found to be thinner, and of a more purulent nature. The 
treatment must greatly depend upon the state of the general health. 
Jf the horse is very gross, it may be desirable to take a little blood 
away; but this will seldom be necessary, and never is desirable. 
}*hysic seems to do little immediate good ; and, indeed, it is very 
doubtful whether any treatment is of much service, excepting such 
as will gradually bring the horse into working condition. The 
disease, in most cases, has its origin in obstruction of the seba- 
ceous and perspiratory pores; and until these are restored to their 
proper functions, by gradually exercising them, little good can be 
done. Unfortunately, the very means which will accomplish this 
object are apt to increase the disease for a time; but still this 
must be put up with, as a matter in which no choice can be made. 
Kegular exercise and grooming must be fully attended to, using 
the whisp only in dressing the skin, when the eruption shows 
itself, and carefully avoiding the brush and currycomb. By acting 
on the kidneys, more good will be done than by purging physic, 
which soems to be of little or no service in any case but when the 
Btomach is greatly out of order. An ounce of nitre uiny be given 
with a mash twice a week, or the following balls may be ad- 
mi].ist( red : — 

Take of Nitre, 

Su'plmr, of each 3 (Irachms. 

Sulphurot of Antimony 2 drjuhms. 

Liusced Meal and Water cnou<jh to form two balls. 



HIDEBOUND-MANGE. 105 



HIDEBOUND. 



Tms fS ESSE"\TTALr.v a disorder of the skin produced by s/m-. 
pathy with the stomach. It rarely occurs in any horse but )nQ 
Badly out of health from a deficiency either in the quantity oi 
quality of the food. Sometimes it comes on in the latter stages of 
consumption or dysentery, without any previous mismanagement; 
but in the vast majority of oases the cause may be laid to the 
food. The skin of a horse in health feels supple, and on his sidea 
it may readily be gathered up by the hand into a larg^e fold, but 
in hidebound it is as if it were glued to the ribs, and were also too 
tight for the carcase which it invests. The name, indeed, is 
expressive of this state, and the disease can scarcely be mistaken 
when once seen, or rather felt. Coincident with this condition of 
the skin, there is also, generally, either a distended state of the 
abdomen from flatulence, or a contracted and " tucked up" appear- 
ance from diarrhoea. The treatment should be addressed to the 
digestive organs, the state of which must be carefully examined, 
and if possible rectified. A pint of linseed, scalded, and mixed 
with a bran mash every night, or scalded malt given in equal 
quantities with the corn ; or in the spring time, vetches, clover, or 
lucerne, will do more than any medicine ; but when there is a 
deficient appetite, or the bowels or stomach, or either of them, 
arc evidently much weakened and disordered, a stomachic ball 
once or twice a week will do good. The remedies appropriate to 
these several conditions will be found under their respective heads 
at pages 354, and 363, 304. 

MANGE. 

Mange corresponds with the itch of the human subject in 
being produced by a parasitic insect, which is an acarus, but of a 
different species to that of man, and of a much larger size, so as to 
be readily visible to the naked eye. It is generally produced by 
contact with horses previously affected with the same disease, but 
it appears highly probable that a poor, half-starved animal, allowed 
to accumulate all kinds of dirt on his skin, will develop the para- 
site, though how this is done is not clearly made out. The wholfl 
subject of parasites is wrapped in mystery, which modern research(\s 
appear likely to fathom, but hitherto little progress has been made 
except in the history of the metamorphoses of the tape-worm, 
from the analogy of which some idea may be formed of the prob- 
able modes of production of other parasites. When cau-ed by 
contagion, as certainly happens in the vast majority of cases, the 
fiiRt sj/mpfoms noticed will be an excessive itching of the skin, 
which is soon followed by a bareness of the hair in patches, partly 
caused by constant friction. The disease usually slvows itself on 



106 THE nORSE. 

the side of tlie neck, just at the edges of the mane, and on the 
insides of the quarters near the root of the tail. From these 
parts the eruption extends along the back and dovQ the sides, 
seldom involving the extremities excepting in very confirmed 
cases. After a time the hair almost entirely falls off, leaving the 
skin at first bare and smooth, with a few small red pimples scat, 
tered over it, each of which contains an acarus, and these are con- 
nected by furrows, along which the acari have worked their waj 
to their present habitation. In process of time the pimples 
increase in number and size, and from them a matter exud(;8 
Tvhich hardens into a scab, beneath which, on examination, 
several aeari may readily be seen, moving their legs like mites in 
a cheese, to which they are closely allied. At first the mangy 
horse may keep his health, but after a time the constant irritation 
makes him feverish ; he loses flesh, and becomes a most miserable 
object; but such cases of neglect are happily rare in the present 
day. ^he treatment must be addressed to the destruction of the 
life of the acarus, which, as in the human subject, is rapidly 
destro^^ed by sulphur, turpentine, arsenic, hellebore, and corrosivo 
sublimate. Some of these drugs are, however, objectionable, 
from being poisonous to the horse, as well as to the parasite which 
preys upon him, and they are, therefore, not to be employed 
without great and urgent necessity, in consequence of the failure 
of milder remedies. The following recipes may be relied on js 
perfectly efficacious, the former being sufficient in mild cases, ai.d 
the latter being strong snough in any. 



1. Take of Common Sulphur 6 oz. 

Sperm or Train Oil .... 1 pint. 
Spirit of Turpentine .... 3 oz. 
Mix and rub well into the skin with a flannel, or in preference with a 
painter's brush. 

2. Take of Compound Sulphur Ointment . . 8 oz. 

Train or Sperm Oil . ... 1 pint. 

Spirit of Turpentine 3 oz. 

Mix and use as above. 



One or other of the above dressings should be well rubbed in 
every third day for at least three or four weeks in bad cases, an«J 
two in trifling ones, when the inflammation resulting from the? 
aoari and also from the application may be allowed to subside in 
the hope that all the parasites are killed, in which case the erup- 
tion disappears, but the hair does not always come on again aa 
thickly as ever. All the stable fittings around the stall or box in 
which the horse has been standing should be thoroughly wash erf 
over with a solution of corrosive sublimate, made as follows : — 



MANGE-LICE-MALLENDERS, ETC. 107 

Take of Corrosive Sublimate 1 oz. 

Methylated Spirit of Wine . . . 6 oz. 

Water ... 1 gallon. 

Dissolve the sublimate in the spirit by rubbing in a mortar, thea mix with 
the water, and use with a brush, stirring it up continually to prevent iU 
settling. 

The clothing should be destroyed, as it is scarcely possible ti 
cleanse it completely from the parasites ; but if it is determined to 
risk a return of the disease, it should be thoroughly washed, acd 
when dry, saturated wTth spirit of turpentine. 

When the health has suflFered from the irritation of mange, a 
fow tonic balls may be required, but generally the removal of tho 
cause will be sufficient. 



LICE. 

In former days ltce were not uncommon in the horse, but 
they are now comparatively rare. Still they are occasionally met 
with, and their presence is readily ascertained, being of a consi- 
derable size, and easily seen with the naked eye. They may be 
destroyed by rubbing into the roots of the hair white precipitate, 
in powder, taking care to avoid sweating the horse or wetting his 
skin for some days afterwards. 



MALLENDERS AND SALLEND:<:RS. 

These eruptions are both of the same nature, differing only 
in the locality where they are displayed. The former shows itself 
in the flexure at the back of the knee, and the latter at the bend 
of the hock. The stjmptoms are shown in the appearance of a foul 
scurf mixed with a few thin scabs, the skin underneath being stiff 
and unyielding. They are generally brought on by washing the 
legs and leaving them undried. The treatment required is merely 
the application of the following ointment, which should be well 
rulbed in every night : — 

Take of Cerate of Superacetate of Lead . 2 oz. 

Creosote 10 drops. Mix. 

If the skin continues to be very hard and stiff, a little glycerine 
lihould be brushed on two or three times a week. 



WARBLES, STTFASTS, AND HARNESS GALLS. 
When the saddle has galled the skiu beneath it, the ia- 



108 THE HORSE. 

flammfjfion resulting is called a "warble," and if this is ncglcded, 
BO an tj cause a troublesome sore, the term ''sitfast" is applied. 
The effect produced is similar to a harness gall, and there is not 
the slightest necessity for inventing names to distinguish each stage 
of cruelty in the rider, for if attention is paid to the warble no sit/- 
fast will ever m; ke its appearance. Prevention is better than cure, 
and it may almost always be effected by the adoption of the plan 
of always keeping the saddle on (after loosing the girths) for a 
quarter of an hour or twenty minutes. Sometimes, however, in 
spite of this precaution, the skin of the back swells, and when a 
heavy man has been riding for six or eight hours on a horse unac- 
customed to his weight, the cuticle will perhaps peel off, bringing 
the hair with it. When the swelling is considerable it should be 
well fomented for an hour, and then bathed with a lotion composed 
of one drachm of tincture of arnica in half a pint of water. The 
saddle should never be re-applied until the skin is quite cool and 
free from all inflammation, even if considerable inconvenience is 
thereby suffered. The same treatment will also apply to harness 
galls. Oiling the inside of the collar will often prevent the shoulder 
from suffering excoriation. 

GRUBS. 

The larva of ^OiME beetle, but of what species I do not 
know, is occasionally met with in the horse, causing a small lump, 
about the size of a raisin, and usually on the back. This obsti- 
nately continues for months, if its nature is not understood, in 
spite of all ordinary applications. At last a white larva or grub, 
with a black head, and ^ery similar in everything but size to the 
maggot found in the nut, makes its appearance, and either escapes 
to fall on the ground and become a chrysalis, or else it is squeezed 
out by the groom, which is easily done as soon as the head is visi- 
ble. When discovered previously, an opening may be made with 
the point of a penknife, and then the larva niyy be gradually 
squeezed out. avoiding too much haste in the operation, which will 
only retard the process. 

BITES AND STINGS OF INSECTS. 

Horses are i table to be stung by hornets, wa.eps, and bf.es. 
n theie are only one or two stings made, no interference is neces- 
sary; but sometimes a larger number of poisonous punctures have 
been effected, and then the best treatment is the application of 
Bpirit of turpentine and laudanum in equal proportions. 

The bites of the gadfly are so troublesome in their effects 
that it is sometimes desirable to prevent them if possible. This is 
effected by making a strong infusion of the green bark ol' the elder, 
<Lncl washing the flanks, &c., with it before going out. 



SWELLED LEGS. 109 

SWELLED LEGS. 

Tfie skin of the legs and the cellular membrane be- 
neatli it are liable to two kinds of swelling, one of which is of an 
infianiniatory character, while the other is solely due to a deposit of 
geruni (oedema), owing to the non-performance of their office by 
the kidneys. Both kinds are much more frequent in the hind legs 
than the fore, but especially the former. 

Inflammatory swelled leg, sometimes called weed^ is gene- 
rally accompanied by a certain amount of feverishness, and comes 
on suddenly, almost always showing itself on the inside of the hind 
leg which is hot and extremely tender. It is not a very common 
disease, and merely requires the ordinary low treatment, by purging 
physic, and, if necessary, bleeding. Should it continue for more 
than two or three days after these are tried, an ounce of nitre may 
be given every night in a bran mash. 

Ordinary swelling of the legs, or oedema, occurs in every 
degree, from a slight "filling," to which many horses are always 
subject, whether they work or stand in the stable, to an enlarge- 
ment extending up to the stifles and elbows, sometimes rendering 
the legs almost as round and as hard as mill-posts. When horses 
are first brought in from grass their legs almost always fill more or 
less, and until they are regularly seasoned to their work there is 
seldom that clean condition of the suspensory ligaments and back 
sinews which one likes to see even before the daily exercise is given. 
The oedema appears to depend partly upon a deficient action of the 
kidneys, but chiefly on the vessels of the legs not acting sufficiently 
without constant walking exercise, such as is natural to the horse 
when at liberty, and which he takes at grass. Half an hour's walk- 
ing will generally produce absorption completely, so that a daily 
remedy is forthcoming; but as a rule, whenever there is this ten- 
dency to " filling" of the legs, the cellular membrane is not the 
only tissue in fault, but the tendons and joints are also liable to 
inflammation. The treatment will greatly depend on the exact 
cause. If the swelling is only due to the change from grass to 
the confinement of a warm stable, time alone is wanted, taking care 
not to overwork the horse in the mean time. Bandages will always 
assist in keeping down the swelling ; but they should not be used 
without necessity, as when once the horse becomes accustomed to 
them his legs can hardly be kept fine without their aid. If weak- 
ness is the cause, a drachm of sulphate of iron given in the corn 
twice a day will often strengthen the system, and with it the logs. 
Diuretics may be adopted as an occasional aid to the kidneys, but 
they should be of the mildest kind, such as nitre, or they will do 
BQore harm, by weakening the body generally, than good by theii 
stimulus to the kidneys. Indeed, they are often the sole cause of 



110 THE HORSE. 

the legs filling, for some grooms use them so continually, whether 
they are wanted or not, that the kidneys become diseased and refuse 
to act, which is a sure forerunner of oedema. Where swelling of 
th3 legs is confirmed, bandages must be regular'y applied a^ recom- 
mended at page 196. 

CHAPPED HEELS. 

When a horse suffers from cedema of the legs, he is par 
ticubrly prone to an eruption of a watery nature in the cleft 
between the heels and behind the lesser pastern. Those also 
whose legs are washed and not dried are still more prone to it, 
especially if the hair is white. The skin cracks, and, in bad cases, 
IS so inflamed and swollen that the leg cannot be bent without great 
pain, and often there is a bleeding from the cracks, caused by the 
action of the limb, but only to a sufficient extent to show that blood 
has escaped. The treatment must be local as well as general if the 
eruption is not entirely due to mismanagement. In any case, the 
part should be dressed with cerate of acetate of lead, a little of 
which should be rubbed in every night. Next morning some gly- 
cerine should be brushed on an hour at least before the exorcise^ 
and renewed before the daily work is commenced. This will pre- 
vent all risk of the skin cracking, while the ointment will act bene- 
ficially on the vessels of the part. In addition to these applica- 
tions, the general health should be attended to if in fault, and 
tonics or diuretics should be given, as the case may require. 



GREASE. 

The eruption known as grease is sometimes only an aggra- 
vated form of chapped heels, and is often preceded by them. At 
others the appearance of the disease is ushered in by constitutional 
symptoms, such as feverishness, oedema of the limbs and hide- 
bound. The first local symptom is a slight swelling of the skin 
ot the heels and adjacent parts, which soon cracks, and from the 
fissures there exudes an offensive discharge which looks greasy, but 
is really watery, being of a serous nature. It inflames every part 
that it touches, and has a tendency to cause a spread of the eruption 
in all directions, but chiefly downwards. The legs go on swelling to 
a frightful extent, and are thereby rendered so stiff and sore that 
great lameness is produced. If this stage is neglected the whole 
surface ulcerates, and a fungous growth makes its appearance, 
chiefly from the original cracks. The discharge becomes purulent 
and has a most foul smell, and the leg can with difficulty be bent 
ftt all. Finallij, the fungo.is excrescences cover the whole of the 
diseased skin, being of a bright red color, and slightly resembling 
grapes in form, from which circumstances this stage has beeu 



GREASE, OR SCRATCHES. Ill 

called 'Uhe grapes." It is now very rare to meet with grease in 
any of its forms except in the cart-stable, where the hairy legs of 
its inmates render them peculiarly prone to its attacks, from the 
time required to dry them when wet. They are so difficult to clean 
without water that the carters may well be excused for using it, 
but if they do they ought carefully to dry the legs afterwards. 
The treatment when grease is established must be founded upon 
the same principle as in chapped heels. The skin must be kept 
supple, and at the same time stimulated to a healthy action. For 
the former purpose glycerine is most valuable, being far more effi- 
cacious than any greasy dressing, such as we were obliged to employ 
before the discovery of this substance. In all the stages of grease, 
this latter agent may be employed, and as it is readily soluble in 
water it can be washed off and renewed as often as it may be desired. 
The discharge is so foul and irritating that it ought to be thoroughly 
removed at least once in twenty-four hours, and one of the chief 
advantages of the use of glycerine is that it so greatly assists this 
cleansing process from its solubility in water. In addition to this 
emollient plan, some stimulus must be selected, and none answers 
BO well (in all stages but the very earliest) as chloride of zinc. 
When, therefore, the heels are in that state that it is almost doubt- 
ful whether the disease is the mere chap or absolute grease, the 
treatment recommended for the former may be tried, but should 
this fail, the groom should at once proceed to cut the hair of the 
skin which is diseased as short as possible. Then let him take 
some soap and warm water and gently wash the parts with a sponge 
till the skin is perfectly clean and free from scab or scurf, taking 
care to remove every particle of soap by well rinsing it. ^ Next dry 
the leg, and then with a small paint-brush rub gently into the in- 
flamed parts enough of the following lotion to damp them, but not 
to wet them thoroughly : — 

Take of Chloride of Zinc 30 prs. 

Water ^ P»"- ^^i^- 

A quarter of an hour afterwards apply a little glycerine over the 
whole, and keep the parts sufficiently supple with it. If there is 
mur;h discharge the cleansing may be repeated night and morning, 
followed by the chloride of zinc, but in most cases once a day will 
be sulficiently often. If the ulcerated or inflamed skin does not 
put on a healthy appearance in a few days, the lotion may be in- 
creased in strength, using forty, fifty, or sixty grains to the pint, 
as re(iuired; but the remedy will be found to be almost a specific, ex- 
cept for the grapy form, if properly proportioned in strength. When 
the fungoid growths are very extensive, nothing but their removal, 
either by the knife or by the actual or potential cautery, will suffice. 
The least painful plan is to slice them ofi" to a level with the skir 



112 THE HORSE. 

and then just touch the bleeding surface with a hot iron, which 
will have the double good effect of stopping the bleeding and in- 
ducing a healthy action. The glycerine may then be applied, and 
next day the leg may be treated in the same way as for ordinary 
grease described above. When the disease is of long standing 
local applications may cure it for a time, but either it will return, 
or there will be some other organ attacked, unless the unhealthy 
Htate of the blood is attended '.o. It must be remembered that 
during the existence of grease this vital fluid is called upon to 
supply the materials for the secretion which is constantly going on. 
Now if on the cessation of the demand for them the blood still 
goes on obtaining its supplies from the digestive organs, it becomes 
overloaded, a state of plethora is established, whir»h Nature attempts 
to relieve in some one or other of her established modes by setting 
up disease. To avoid such a result arsenic may be given internally, 
for this medicine has a special power in counteracting this ten- 
dency. How it acts has never yet been made out, but that it does 
exert such a power is thoroughly ascertained, and if the doses are 
not too large it is unattended by any injurious effect. Indeed for a 
time it seems to act as as a tonic. The arsenic should be given in 
solution and with the food, so as to procure its absorption into the 
blood without weakening the stomach. A wine-glassful of liquor 
arsenicalis {\h oz.) should be poured over the corn twice a day, 
and continued for a couple of months, when it may be discontinued 
with a fair hope of its having had the desired effect. Should the 
skin, however, look inflamed, a second course of it may be given, 
and it will be found that if it is given with the corn it will not be 
followed by any injurious consequences. 



WARTS. 

Warts are, generally, only to be considered as eyesores; for, 
unless they appear on the penis, they are not injurious to health; 
nor do *hey interfere with work unless they happen to appear on 
the shoulders beneath the collar in a harness horse, which is very 
rare indeed. They are, doubtless, very unsightly, and, for this 
reason, it is often desired to remove them, which may be done by 
first picking off the rough outer surface, so as to make them bleed, 
and then rubbing in, with a stifi" brush, some yellow orpiment, 
wetted with a little water. This will cause considerable inflam- 
mation, and in a few days the wart will drop off, leaving a healthy 
sore, which soon heals, kiometimcs the whole wart docs not come 
away on the first application, in which case a second must }»fl 
made. When the glans penis is completely covered witli warts, 



WARTS AND CORNS. 113 

tht' best, plan is to amputate it, as it requires the greatest cautioa 
and tact to remove them by arsenic or any other caustic without 
destroying, also, as much ol the penis as is taken away by the 
kuile* 

CORNS. 

These troublesome results of bad shoeing, or subsequent 
neglect of the feet, make their appearance in the sole of the foot, 
in the angle formed between the crust and the bar (see fig. 20 (K), 
Chap. XXVI.). Where the foot is properly prepared for the shoe, 
and the smith seats the heel of the crust and the bar on a 
level surface, no corn will make its appearance in a healthy foot ; 
but if a corn has previously existed, or if the shoe is allowed to 
press upon the sole at E (see fig. 20, Chap. XXVI.), the delicate 
olood-vessels of the sensible sole are ruptured, and, instead of se- 
creting a sound horn, capable of bearing the slight strain upon it 
which is required, a fungoid growth is formed, presenting a reddish 
appearance, and exquisitely sensitive. This morbid substance 
does not at all resemble the hard corn of the human subject, which 
is a thickened secretion of cuticle, but it bears some comparison 
with the soft corns that form so often between the toes, and give 
so much trouble in their removal. It is, in fact, a new growth of 
a semi-fungoid character, partly made up of granulations and 
partly of horny matter, the two being closely united. The corn 
may arise from improper pressure made on this part of the sensible 
sole, either directly from the shoe, or indirectly by pressing a thin 
brittle crust inwards upon it. Generally, however, it is met with 
at the inner heel, from the shoe being overgrown by that part of 
the foot when kept on too long. The outer nails do not allow it 
to work in the contrary direction, and if there is a clip on the 
outer quarter this is rendered still more improbable. If, there- 
fore, shoeing is properly managed, corns may always be prevented, 
and we shall see in the directions for shoeing, at Chap. XXVI., 
how this is to be managed. At present I have to consider how 
they are to be relieved or cured when they are already established. 

The ordinary mode of treating corns is simply to cut 
them out, leaving the bar and heel of the crust full, and thus 
taking all pressure off them. This enables the horse to do his work 
for about ten days, but then the shoe must be removed, and the 
paring-out repeated, a process which weakens the already weak 
crust by making additional nail-holes in it. The shoe at the same 
t'uue is generally " sprung," that is, it is so bent or filed that the 
heel does not fully bear upon it ; but this does not lust many 
hours, and is of little real utility. The plan answers well enough 
for the purposes of fraudulent sellers, as the horse runs sound for 
about ten days; and when he fails, and on taking off his shoe h« 



114 THE HORSE. 

is discovered to have a corn, it is impossible to prove that it ex- 
isted at the time of sale by any evidence but that of the smith 
who shod hira previously to it. Excepting, therefore, in very 
slight and recent cases, in which it will sometimes be followed by 
success, this plan of treatment is only palliative, and what is worse, 
it tends to increase the weakness of the foot and consequent tCD- 
dency to the disease. 

Tor the curative plan we must do something more (hau 
merely take the pressure off the sole; the bar and heel of the 
crust must also be relieved, and the sensible sole must be stimu- 
lated, by a proper application, to secrete healthy horn, as well as 
by pressure on the frog. If the horse is to be rested, this can be 
done easily enough by taking otJ" his shoes, but he may be kept at 
work by putting on a bar-snoe, and cutting down the bar and crust, 
so as to throw all the pressure ofi" them upon the frog. A double 
purpose is eflfected in this way. First, the sensible sole is relieved 
of the constant pressure which the crust bears upon it laterally ; 
and, secondly, the jar on the frog, communicated through the shoe, 
from the ground, induces a healthy action in the foot, and the sole 
has a greater tendency to secrete healthy horn. There is no doubt 
in my mind that all horses would work much better, and keep their 
feet in much sounder condition, if their frogs could be brought into 
use, without being guarded as they are by the ordinary shoe. This 
part is intended by nature to take upon itself great pressure; and 
if it has not its natural stimulus it becomes weak itself, and, more- 
over, it does not stimulate the surrounding parts to a healthy action, 
as it ought to do. The bar-shoe is inconvenient for many purposes, 
and, therefore, it is not generally applied; but as a curative agent 
these objections are to be dispensed with, and then it will be found 
to be extremely valuable, not only in relieving the diseased part (the 
corn) but in giving a healthy action to its seat, the sole. The smith 
should, therefore, pare down the crust at the heel, so that when the 
bar-shoe is applied it will allow a penny-piece to be insinuated be- 
tween the two surfaces. With this the horse does his work com- 
fortably on the road ; and in process of time, that is, in two or thiee 
months, the heel grows up, and takes its own share of pressure, or 
a part of it, becoming gradually accustomed to the amount which it 
will have to bear when the bar-shoe is discontinued. In the mean 
time a little of the following lotion may be applied daily to the 
situation of the corn by means of a feather. 

Take of Chloride of Zinc 1 drachm. 

Water 6 oz. 

Glycerine 2 oz. Mix, 

In every case, the bar-shoe must be continued until the heel of the 
crust and the bar grow down strongly; and then a common gh(ie 
may be appUed. 



SANDCRACK— FALSE QUARTER 115 

SANDCRACK. 

In the ANATOMICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE FOOT, at page 201, 

it will be seen that the crust is composed of fibres, rum jng paral- 
lel to each other in a direction from the coronet to tlie ground sur- 
face. These fibres are glued -together firmly in a sound and strong 
hoof; but, in a weak one, it sometimes happens that the gelatinous 
matter is not in sufiicient quantity, and then the fibres separate, 
and leave a crack of greater or less extent, according to circuru' 
stances. This, called a sandcrack, happens at the thinnest part, 
which is the inner quarter in the fore foot, and the toe in the hind. 
To cure it, the foot must be rested, or at least that part of it where 
the crack occurs, which in the fore foot may be efi'ected by the use 
of a bar-shoe, throwing the pressure entirely on the frog, as recom- 
mended in the last section on corns, and taking care that the crust 
behind the crack is not in contact with the shoe. By adoptijig 
this plan, I have succeeded in curing sand-cracks during moderate 
work ; but if it happens in the hind foot, complete rest must be 
given, as the toe cannot be relieved by any possible contrivance. 
The next thing to be done is to open the crack slightly, so that 
any grit getting into it shall not cause its further expansion ; and 
in doing this, if there is any little cellular cavity, it should be ex- 
posed. If the crack extends to the coronet, which it rarely does, 
nothing can be done until it has grown out for at least half an 
inch from that part, when the point of a hot iron may be applied 
to the angle of the crack for a second, so as to keep out water, 
which has the effect of causing the fibres to split by the capillary 
attraction which is exercised. The burn should be very slight, 
and should not be carried deeply into the substance of the horn. 
A fine nail should then be driven from below through the crust, 
the shoe being removed j and when brought out at the usual place, 
should be left projecting. The shoe should be put on, and the 
innermost nail also left projecting. These two should then be 
firmly bound together by fine wire, so as to bring the edges of the 
crack together; and the foot should be left in this state for at least 
a mouth or five weeks, when the shoe may be taken oiF, and the 
operation repeated. This is far better than binding wire or twine 
round the whole foot, as it acts more completely on the crack, 
without confining the growth of the remainder of the foot. Of 
course, after the wire is twisted on, the nails must be clenched, and 
there will be a greater projection than usual ; but this is of no im- 
portance whatever. In cracks of the hind foot the nails in each 
quarter will keep the two sides from separating, but the horse cao. 
not })e worked. 

FALSE QUARTER. 

"Vi'iiEN, FROM AN ACCIDENT, the coronary substam'c is perma- 
nently injured, it ceases to secrete sound horn, and a st*^ipe of the 



116 THE HOUSE. 

crust, dofective in strength, runs all the way down from the coro- 
net to the plantar edge. This generally happens at the inner 
quarter, and is owing to the horse treading on his coronet; but it 
may also occur on the outside, either from the tread of another 
horse, or from some kind of external violence. The result is simi- 
lar to that of a sandcrack ; there is no strength in the affected heel, 
and lameness is produced. The treatment is very much the samo 
as for sandcrack. In the first place, the pressure must be taken 
oif the quarter, and a bar-shoe applied, so as to convey the weight 
on the frog, as described under the head of Sandcrack. The heel 
of the affected quarter should be lowered, and thus further injur/ 
will be prevented. The next thing to be done is to stimulate the 
coronet to a healthy action by blistering it, which must be done 
two or three times, taking care that the blister is not of too violent 
a nature, and that the skin heals before a second is applied. By 
these means, a cure may sometimes be effected ; but it takes a coq' 
siderable time, and until the quarter is reproduced in full strength, 
or nearly so, the bar-shoe should be continued. By its use, auj 
horse with a sound frog can travel very well on the road, even if 
the quarter is entirely and permanently separated from the toe by 
inefficient horn; and without it, the chance of a cure is not to be 
reckoned on. 

QUITTOR. 

By this term is understood a chronic abscess of the foot, 
the matter always forming sinuses, from the difficulty which nature 
has to overcome in finding a way for it to reach the surface. 
Generally, the mischief is occasioned by an overreach, or a bruise 
of the sole, or by the inflammation resulting from a neglected 
thrush, or, lastly, from a nail-prick. From any of these causes, 
inflammation of the delicate investment of the coffin-bone is set up, 
pus is secreted, and, in working its way to the surface, it burrows 
between the horn and the bone, and forms one or more sinuses, oi 
pipes, as these fistulous tubes are called by the farrier. A quitter 
is recognised by the eye and nose detecting an opening in the 
horn, from which a foul discharge proceeds; and on introducing a 
probe, it will generally pass freely in two or three directions, some- 
times giving a grating sensation to the finger, showing that the 
bone is denuded, and most probably carious. There is generally 
a considerable increase of temperature in the foot, and always 
more or less lameness, with, in niost cases, swelling of the bulboua 
heels and coronet. On examining the sole carefully, some part 
will either show a difference of color from the adjacent horn, or 
there will be a yielding on pressure, owing to its being undermined. 
The treatment must be conducted on the same principle as for 
fistulous 8or2S. In the first place, a dependent opctiing must be 



QUITTOR- THRUSH. 117 

formed, so that no matter shall be confined, but it shall be allowed 
to come away as fast as it forms. This can only be done by prob- 
ing; and if the original opening is in the coronet, the probe must 
be passed down as low as possible, and then the sole should be 
pared away till the end can be reached. Tn tolerably recent quit- 
tors, this plan alone will allow the sinus '.o heal ; but in old ones, 
(he internal surface has btcome callous, and no granulations are 
thrown out. Here an injection should be throwu in every day 
with a syringe, a saturated solution of sulphate of zinc being that 
generally recommended j but I have found the chloride answer 
still better, using one drachm of the salt to a pint of water at first, 
and going on up to two drachms. By injecting this daily, and in- 
troducing a piece of lint, wetted with it, into the superior opening, 
leaving tlie lower one free, I have cured many bad quittors, even 
V hen there wa3 evidence of caries of the colfin-joint. The disease 
requires a careful adjustment of the remedies to its extent and 
nature, and a theoretical description of it is of little use. 

THRU3H. 

Any offensive etscharps from the frog is called by thia 
name, although the cau«e and treatment may be as difi'erent a? 
Dossible. It varies greatly in the fore and hind feet; and, indeed, 
it must never be forgotten that, in every case, the cause which 
has produced the discharge must be clearly made out before any 
plan of treatment can be carried out with any prospect of success. 
Sometimes thrush is merely the result of the decomposition of the 
horny frog, from the foot being constantly kept wet with urine, 
which is most common in the hind foot. Here the surface becomes 
soft, and is gradually dissolved; while the cleft, from its retaining 
the moisture, is increased in size. This state is often brought on 
by the too frequent use of cowdung-stopping in horses with soft 
frogs; and, instead of doing good by his treatment of the foot, the 
groom is really destroying it by encouraging the decomposition ot 
the healthy defence which Nature has given to it. For this kind 
of thrush, very little treatment is required, if the cause vhich 
produced it is withdrawn. Still it is not always easy to keep the 
froir dry, and stop the decomposition, without the application of 
some astringent; and if the mere use of dry litter, and the appli- 
cation of tar ointment, do not seem to harden the frog at once, it 
may be touched with a wash composed of ten grains of bluestone 
to the ounce of water. This will soon dry it ; or, if it ftiils by any 
chance, the chloride of zinc may be used in the same way, by 
dissolving five grains in an ounce of water. 

The second kind op thrush is that in which from a gross 
habit of body there is a simple inflammation of the sensible frog, 
and instead of sound horn being secreted, a spongy substance is 



11^ 



THE HORSE. 



depotited, -which breaks away in places, and the frog looks ragged 
and uneven, with a greasy surflice, smells very foul, andi feels hot 
to the touch. Here the treatment must be general as well a3 local, 
A dose of physic should be given, the food should be of a less 
stimulating quality, and care should be taken that regular exercise 
is allowed every day. The stable should be kept cool, and of 
course attention should be paid to cleanliness both of the foot and 
the litter. As to local remedies, they must not be of the slimu- 
luting kind, which will suit the thrush from decomposition, or thai 
presently to be described. The foot should be placed in a bran 
poultice, and kept in it for some days, till the united action of the 
local and general treatment have reduced the inflammation. After 
a few days it will be well to dress the frog with tar ointment, or 
the poultice will do more harm than good, by causing the decom- 
position of its horny covering, and indeed it is seldom that this 
wet application should be employed for more than a week. After 
this time has elapsed, all the good to be derived from it has been 
accomplished, and the subsequent treatment may generally be 
eifected by attention to the health, and dressing the frog with tar 
ointment. Sometimes it may be necessary to employ a slight 
stimulus, and then the solution of chloride of zinc will be found to 
be the best. 

The third kind of thrush occurs in contracted feet, and is 
due to the same cause, namely, chronic inflammation of the sensi- 
ble frog, produced by overwork, aided in many cases by neglect in 
shoeing. There is a tendency to the secretion of unsound horn 
over the whole foot, sometimes too thick and hard, and at others 
of a cellular structure, without sufficient strength to bear the pressure 
of the road. The horny frog generally looks shrunken and withered ; 
and in its cleft there is a foul discharge, on wiping which out a 
soil spongy matter may be seen at the bottom, which is the sensible 
frog itself, but in a diseased condition. In bad cases, the sides of 
the horny frog have separated, and even the toe is sometimes defi 
cient of its covering; but generally the horn has only disappeared 
in patches, and there are ragged portions remaining. The disease 
here is of too chronic a nature to be easily cured, and if there ig 
much disorganization of the lamina3 it will be almost impossible to 
effect a perfect cure. The first thing tc be done is to clear away- 
all the ragged portions of horn, so as to be able to reach the sensi-'' 
ble frog. Some tow is then to be smeared with the following oinU 
ment • — 

Take of Ointment of Nitrate of Mercury .... '.drachm. 

Zinc Ointment 1 oz. 

Creosote 1 drops. jMix. 

and pressed into the cleft of the frog, where it can best be retain*: J 



TiniUSH— CANKER— LAMINITIS 119 

by a bar-slloe liglitly tacked on, and in this case taking its bearing 
on the heels and not on the frog. Sometimes a wash answers 
better than a greasy application, and then a strong solution of the 
chloride of zinc may be employed, about six grains to the ounce 
of Witer. Tow dipped in this may be applied in the same way as 
with the ointment, and either one or the other should be re-ap- 
plisd every day. As the new horn grows, it mu^st be kept supple 
by tar ointment, and until it is fully developed the bar-shoe should 
be kept on, applying some degree of pressure by means of the tow, 
which should be stuffed in so as to compress the frog, beginning 
with very light pressure, and, as the horn increases in substance, 
augmenting it in proportion. By attention to these directions a 
thrush of this kind may be cured, if the foot is not damaged 
throughout, and even the frog may be restored to a comparative 
state of health. 

CANKER. 

Canker is generally an extension of the third form of thrush, 
the ulceration spreading to the sensible sole, and afterwards to the 
coffin-bone itself. At first the ulcerated surface is concealed by the 
old horn, but gradually this breaks away, and then the extent of 
the mischief may be seen. A part or the whole of the sole and the 
frog may be in a state of ulceration, generally depending upon the 
time during which the disease has been in existence, and the care 
which has been taken of it, or the reverse. The only treatment to 
be adopted is the careful removal of every loose piece of horn, so 
as to expose the unsound surface to the action cf remedies, and at 
the same time to avoid poisoning it by the decomposing horn, which 
has a most irritating effect. The sulphate of copper, and chloride 
of zinc, are the best applications, and they must be used in full 
strength. These cases, however, require an experienced eye to 
enable the prescriber to judge of the proper amount of caustic re- 
quired; and beyond suggesting the kind of remedy required, no 
good can be done by written prescriptions. If it is impossible to 
obtain the advice of a veterinarian, it will be better to begin by 
using a mild caustic, and then increase the strength as it is found 
to be wanted. Pitch ointment forms the best greasy application to 
the adjacent sound surfaces to protect them from the irritation of 
the discbarge. 

LAMINITIS. 
(Founder or Fever of the Feet.) 

The term la:^[INITTS is now familiar with every one at aU ac- 
customed to horses, though it has not long been introduced into 
the vocabulary of the professional man. The disease, however, 
has been recognised for many years under the terms "founder" 
and " fe^'er of the I'cet." It consists in an inflammation (wdich 



120 THE HORSE. 

may be acute oi chronic) of the parts between the crust or wnW 
and th3 pedal bone, including the laminae, whence the name hy 
which it is now distinguished. These parts are suppliea with a 
profusion of blood-vessels (see page 294), and when inflammation 
is set up in them, the progress which it makes is rapid, and the 
constitutional disturbance is unusually great, owing probably tc 
(he want of space for the swelling which accompanies all inflamma* 
tions, and especially of vascular substances. The causes are either, 
1st. Localization of fever, whence the name " fever in the feet." 
2d. The mechanical irritation of hard roads upon feet not accus- 
tomed to them; and 3d. Long confinement in a standing position 
on board ship. When it is recollected that in our system of shoe- 
ing, the laminne are made to support the whole weight of the body 
in consequence of the shoe being in contact with the crust only, it 
can only occasion surprise that this disease is not more frequent. 
Nature framed the horse's foot so that an elastic pad should inter- 
pose between its back parts and the ground, intending that tho 
edge of the crust should take its share, but not all of the weight. 
The laminne are therefore called upon to do far more than their 
structure is designed for, and when there is the slightest weakness 
or tendency to inflammation, they are sure to suffer. Acute lami- 
nitis is not very often met with, because horsemen are aware of 
the risks they run, and take their measures accordingly; but the 
chronic form is common enough, and hundreds of horses are more 
or less lame from this cause. Too often it is not suspected until 
irreparable mischief is done, the elasticity of the laminae being de- 
stroyed, and the foot having assumed a shape which utterly unfits 
it for bearing the pressure of the shoe upon hard roads. When 
the disease has been going on for a long time, the elastic substances 
between the laminae and the pedal bone, as well as the fine horny 
lamellae between them and the crust, lose the property of extension, 
and the horn of the crust is secreted by nature of a more spongy 
character, and much thicker iu substance, than in health. On 
making a section of such a foot, the arrangement of parts will be 
«uch as is here delineated in fig. 19, in whijh 1 is the os sutfraginis, 
2; the OS coronae, and 3, the pedal bone, with its anterior surface 
eeparnted from that of the crust (7) by a wide space occupied hy 
spongy matter. Here the toe of the pedal bone projects into the 
sole and renders it convex, instead of being concave, and correspond 
ing with the lower surface of the pedal bone. 

The laminae and elastic substances between them and thcii 
3ontiguous structures no longer su.ipend the pedal bone to the 
orust, but the weight falls partly uj. 3n the sole by means of the 
toe of the pedal bone, and partly on the frog, which descends su 
low that iu spite of the thickness of the shoe it touches the ground 



LAMINITIS. 



121 




Fia.l9. — SECTION OFTHE FOOT IN CONFIRMED 
LAMINITIS. 

1. Os sufFraginis. 



This descent of the frog is a very 
marked feature in laminitis, and 
whenever it is apparent that dis- 
ease may be suspected. 

But to produce such a 
marked alteration of form 
as is here delineated and de- 
scribed takes a long time, and 
even then it is only in a few 
cases that the disease reaches to 
this stage. It will, therefore, be 
necessary to trace its progress from 
the commencement, and the effects 
which are exhibited as it goes on. 

When acute laminitis sets 
IN, there is a considerable amount 
of fever, indicated by a rapid 
milse, usually full and hard, and 2. Os coronae. 
hurned respiration. There is a 4; Nlvtcuiarbone. 
general look of restlessness from &• *'rpg. 

~ , , , . ii 6- Sole. 

pain, the horse stamping gently 7. Wall or crust greatly thickened. 

with his feet, and constantly 

lying down and then getting up again. When, as usually happens, 
the fore feet only are affected, the hind feet are brought under the 
body to bear as much weight as possible, and the fore feet are so 
carried forwards that the heels support the legs rather than the 
toes. On examining the feet, there is great reluctance to allow 
one to be picked up, on account of the necessity which is thrown 
upon the other of taking the whole weight of the fore quarter. 
The coronet and hoof feel very hot, and, when wetted, may be seen 
to steam very perceptibly. If this state of things is not speedily 
stopped, the laminae cease to secrete horn, and the connection be- 
tween them and the hoof ceases, causing the latter to sepaiate, and 
the sensible parts to be exposed, covered with a thin scaly horn. 
This has happened in many cases which have afterwards secreted 
new hoofs; but the horn is not so strong and useful as before, and a 
horse with such feet is not fit for hard work on the road. If proper 
treatment is adopted, the inflammation either subfridos entirely, 
leaving no mischief behind it, or there is a chronic inflammation 
lei't which induces the alterations of structure which have been 
aliaded to. The treatment should be by first removing the shoes, 
and then, after paring down the sole so as to allow of the expansion 
of the sensible parts, a large quantity of blood is taken from the 
toe, making sure that a vessel of sufficient size is opened to produce 
a strong shock on the heart and arteries, as well as to relieve the 
local affection. If the blood docs not flow freely, the foot may bo 



122 THE HORSE. 

placed in a pail of warm water, but when the operation is properly 
performed there is never any difficulty in obtaining any quantity 
of blood which may be required. Next tack the shoes on lightlv 
again, and then give a smart dose of physic, or else, what is per* 
baps a better plan, give the following: — 

Take of Barbadoes Aloes 

Tartar Emetic, of each . 1 drachm. 

Powdered Digitalis 2 drachm. 

Syrup enough to form a ball, 

which should be given every six hours, until the bowels act, whru 
the other materials may be continued without the aloes. The fee< 
should be kept constantly wet and cool by tying a piece of felt oi 
flannel around each pastern, and allowing it to fall over the hoof, 
when it is to be continually wetted. If the inflammation is not 
abated next day, the bleeding may be repeated, and it will be well 
aj.-o to act on the kidneys by adding two or three drachms of nitre 
to the tartar emetic and digitalis. 

Chronic laminitis is generally first shown by a slight soreness 
or lameness, generally appearing in both fore feet, and, therefore, 
being often overlooked by casual observers. In coming in from 
work the coronets feel warmer than natural; but this goes off dur- 
ing the night, and, for a time, no great fears are entertained of the 
feet recovering their former condition, the blame being, perhaps, 
laid upon the shoe. In a month or two, however, the smith (who 
has, perhaps, been ordered to take off the shoes two or three times, 
by which ihe injury is increased) finds that his nails do not hold, 
anil the quarters break away; while the action of the horse be- 
comes more shambling every day, and he cannot make a sound trot 
on any hard road, espcciall// with a weight on his back. In many 
cases a horse with chronic laminitis can run in hand sound enough 
for an ordinary observer; but when the extra weight of a rid'^r is 
placed on him the feet cannot bear the pain, and the gait is sham 
bling in the extreme. Such animals have a strong propensity to 
save their toes, and prefer (if their shoulders will allow it) bring- 
ing their heels to the ground first, so that, although their action id 
excessively low and shambling, they seldom fall. An experienced 
horseman at once detects this peculiar style of going, and con- 
damns its possessor for laminitis. Indeed, it may be assumed as a 
rule, that wherever the heel is put carefully down upon the ground 
u)ith low action, the foot is the subject of laminitis to some extent. 
When the heel is naturally brought to the ground first, the knee 
is well bent, and the foot is raised high in the air; but in process 
of time work tells on it. the laminae become inflamed, and then the 
action is reduced in height, and the feet are moved in the manner 
peculiar to foundered horses, including those which before they 
were foundered perhaps exbibited " toe action," or, at all events, 



LAMINITIS. 123 

a level fall ol" the foot. This state of disease ought to bo ^ell 
studied, and compared with the remarks on sound action at page 
82 et sea., which it will serve to illustrate and explain. The oot 
itself is changed in form, and the toe and sole have more or less 
altered their relations, as explained already Sometimes there is 
a laro-e space or cavity between the outer surface and the irner, 
Bhawnat7,%. 19, page 405. This hollow in the crust is "i ore or 
less cellular, and the disease is called a - seedy toe, but for wh it 
reason I am at a loss to know. The sole, moreover, is always eitlier 
flatter than natural or absolutely convex, and its horn i^ brittle and 
spongy, constituting what is termed the -pumiced foot. Ihe 
frog ts generally large and spongy; and on placing a straight-edge 
across the shoe, from heel to heel, it is found to touch that part, 
or nearly so, indicating that the relations between it and the crust, 
as well as the sole, are altogether changed from a natura state. 
The la.nin^ are no longer slings for the foot, but the whole pros- 
sure is taken by the parts lying beneath the pedal or coffin bone 
and the navicular bone. Such being the sj/mptoms, the next thing 
is to consider what can be done. If the disease is of long stand- 
ing, little hope can be given of a perfect recovery The shape o 
the external parts may be partially restored, but the internal deli- 
cate structures no longer have the power of performing their offices : 
and the elastic action of the horse suffering from the effects 
of laminitis can seldom be restored on hard ground. A^^er proper 
treatment, he may, and generally does, go on turf well ; but either 
on hard ground or on plough (on the latter of which though soft 
enouoh for the laminae, the sole has to bear considerable pressure) 
he is'dreadfully sore and lame. This is shown alter all inflamma- 
tion has ceased, the foot being as cool as possible, and sometimes 
exhibiting very slight evidences of previous mischiet. ^ _ 

In treatim/ such cases, if there is no heat or other sign of in- 
flammation, ialeeding and similar lowering measures will be ot no 
avail. They may be required soon enough, it is true, tor a toun- 
dered foot is always in danger of inflammation when battered; 
but until symptoms of this kind of mischief are exhibited it is 
better to avoid all depletory measures. At the same time, every- 
thing which will tend to keep off increased action should be 
Bvoided; the horse should be fed on the least heating food which 
will serve the purpose for which he is intended and his stable 
Bhould be kept as cool as possible. Beans ought never to bo 
allowed to the possessor of feet with the slightest suspicion of 
founder; and no more oats should be used than are necessary tor 
the condition required. For horses at slow work, bran mashes 
and nitre, with small doses occasionally of physic, will serve to 
keep down the tendency to inflammation, and by their use, joined 
to cold applications after work (they are of no use at other timew), 



124 THE HORSE. 

and a nool stable, tlie horse may be enabled to do moderately fast 
work. If the frog is not very prominent, a leather sole, put on 
in the usual way, will save the jar, and in some measure supply 
the place of the natural elastic tissue, destroyed in this disease. 
Usually, however, it only adds to the mischief by increasing the 
pressure on the frog, and then the leather must be introduced 
between the foot and the shoe, but cut to the same shape as the 
latter, so as not at all to bear on the frog. Many horses with slight 
traces of laminitis can work for years with leather applied in this 
way, and it may be said to be the most useful mode of treating 
this disease when exhibited in a mild form. Sometimes by throw- 
ing a horse by for six months, taking off his shoes, and blistering 
his coronets two or three times, a great deal of good may be done, 
bat he must be put to stand on tan or sawdust during the whole 
time, and never allowed to go on hard ground, even for half a mile 
at a walking pace. By this plan, and by very careful and gradual 
increase of exercise at the end of that time, 1 have succeeded in 
restoring an elastic condition of the foot; but I have never known 
one so patched up bear hard work, and I should never advise the 
risk incurred by submitting him to it. Hunting and racing, or, 
indeed, any kind of work on soft ground, will do no harm; but 
battering on the roads, especially without leather, applied as above 
described, is sure to bring back the inflammation. 

THE SEEDY TOE. 

Tnis TERM is so generally employed among horsemen, thai 
though the state which it describes is one of the ordinary con- 
sequences of laminitis, I prefer to give it a distinct section. I 
have already described its nature in the preceding page, and have 
only now to allude to its treatment. This may generally be so 
conducted as to restore the shape of the foot, if the inflammation 
has not lowered the toe of the pedal bone, as shown at fig. 1 ; for 
if this has taken place, although it is perhaps possible to get rid 
of the cavities in the horn, the relative positions of the bony parts 
cannot be changed. When, however, as is often the case, a 
moderately small hollow has be<}n formed between the layers cf 
the wall, and the foot retains a tolerably healthy shape, by cutting 
away all the external horny walls, exposing the parts in contact 
with the laminae, and resting the horse in a loose box, the secret- 
ing surface will form a new wall, without any spongy texture, in 
the course of three or four months, if the coronary band is con- 
stantly stimulated by external applications. To eff"ect this, the 
horse should be put to &tand on red deal sawdust, without shoes ; 
and his coronets, after being gently stimulated by a mild liquid 
blister, should be kept dressed with tar ointment, which should 
also be applied to the exterior of the horn. It is seldom, how- 



CONTRACTION OF THE FOOT-NAVICULAR DISEASE. 125 

;5vcr, that a foot which has been thus treated is sufficiently so'iud 
to bear hard work. 

CONTRACTION OF THE FOOT. 

This reputed disease has been long the bugbeai of thn horse- 
master • but it is now discovered to be a complete mistake, ^^ome 
of the most contracted feet in point of width are particularly free 
from all risk of disease, and on the other hand many open ones 
are as liable to it. The donkey, whose heels are shaped exactly 
like those of the contracted horse's foot, is so seldom lame, thai 
few can recall having seen one in that condition, and, therefore, 
reasoning'- from analogy, one would be led to doubt that this shape 
renders The horse prone to lameness. At the same time it is (imte 
true that in the disease which will next be investigated, the irog 
withers and contracts, and the heels are thereby drawn in ; but 
here the contraction is a consequence and not a cause of disease 
and certainly cannot be considered as a disease m itself. J^ad 
shoein- will do much to cause either laminitis or navicular disease 
and it will certainly produce corns and inverted heels, but it will 
not waste the frog, or induce that condition of the foot where the 
sole is arched so high that the frog does not touch the ground 
when the shoe is off. Such a state of things can only be brought 
on either by thrush or navicular disease, and is never the result 
of the mechanical mismanagement of the foot, to which what used 
to be called contraction was generally attributed. All sorts ol 
plans have been su-gested for expanding the heels and for allow- 
in- them to expand ; but the real truth is that so long as the frog la 
sound and the parts above it, allowing the proper amount ot pres- 
sure to be communicated to the sole, bars and heel ot the crust 
these latter divisions of the foot have no room to contract, and ot 
a certainty they never do. 

NAVICULAR DISEASE. 
This formidable disease, called also the navicular joh.t 
lameness, and navicularthn'tis, is the chief danger to be appre- 
hended from a good-looking strong foot, just as the open flat one 
is prone to laminitis, and is rarely subject to disease in the nayicu- 
'ur joint. The reason of this immunity on the one hand, and the 
contrary on the other, is this. The open foot, with a large spongy 
froff exposes the navicular bone and the parts in contact with it 
to constant pressure in the stable, so that these parts are always 
preparod for work. On the other hand, the concave sole and we l- 
formed frog are raised from the ground by our unfortunate mode 
of shoeing, and when the whole foot is exposed to injury from bat- 
tering, and in addition the tendon which plays over the navicular 



126 THE HORSE. 

r.one presses it against the os coronac, the unprei>ared state in 
which this part is allowed to remain is sure to produce inflamma- 
tion, if the work is carried far enough. Thus in esch case the 
weak part sufiPers, but occasionally, though very rarely, the foot 
with an arched sole contracts laminitis, and the flat one is attacked 
by navicular disease; the exceptions, however, are so few that 
they may be thrown out of the calculation, and from the shape of 
the foot alone it may almost invariably be pronounced, when a 
horse is known to be subject to chronic lameness, whether its scat 
is in the laminae or in the navicular joint. 

When a foot is exAxMINed after death which is known to 
have been the subject of navicular disease, the parts implicated 
are invariably either the navicular bone, or the soft parts in con- 
tact with it, or often all together. Most frequently on dividing 
the tendon of the flexor perforans and turning it down so as to 
expose the back of the joint between the navicular and coronal 
bones, that part will be greatly thickened and inflamed, the tendon 
being often adherent to it. In the healthy condition there ought 
to be no adhesion of the fibres of the tendon to any part of the 
navicular bone but its postero-inferior edge, to which the tendon 
is fixed by some few fibres, the bulk passing on to be inserted in 
the OS pedis. The posterior face of the navicular bone should be 
beautifully smooth, and lined by synovial membrane which forms 
a lubricating sac for it to play upon, and thus take off" the friction 
between the tendon and the bone. Such is nature's provision 
againat mischief in this delicate part of the machinery of the foot, 
which she keeps in order by the constant supply of synovia or 
joint oil. But when the sac is not stimulated to a healthy action 
by the pressure of the frog below it in doors and out, synovia is 
no longer secreted in proper quantity, and as soon as the horse is 
put to hard work inflammation takes place for want of it. The 
result is some one of the consequences of inflamed joints. Either 
ulceration takes place in the postero-inferior surface, where the 
tendon glides over it, sometimes ending in caries of the bone itself; 
or adhesion takes place without ulceration of the tendon with the 
surface of the bone, or there are small exostoses thrown out, or 
lastly there is simple inflammation without either adhesion or 
ulceration, and in this stage the disease is amenable to treatment 
without leaving any trace behind. 

The symptums of navicular disease are the same, whether the 
mischief has extended to ulceration or not; but the history will 
guide us in ascertaining how far it has gone. Of course they vary 
in degree, for there may be only a slight extent of ulceration, or a 
high degree of sinrple inflammation ; but in the former case the 
lameness will not be so marked as in the latter, though the prospect 
of recovery will be much less There is always more or lesF lame 



NAVICULAR DISEASE. 127 

noss; but, in consequence of its affecting both feet, it is not so 
marked to the careless observer as in some much more trivial cases 
where only one is diseased. The distinguishing sign, though not 
absolutely infallible, is the pointing of the toe, and a peculiar 
rounding forward of the fetlock joint, so as to relieve the navicular 
bone of any weight. In laminitis, the object of the sufferer is to 
relieve all pressure as much as possible, by bringing the hind legs 
under the body, and by bearing the weight of the fore quarter oa 
the heels. Here, the reverse of the latter attitude is observed — 
the heels are not allowed to take any pressure, and the toes alone 
are placed at all firmly on the ground. This is marked in the 
stable by the pointing of the toe (in each foot alternately, if both 
are diseased, but in the one only, if they are not both affected). 
Out of doors, the toes dig into the ground, the heel never being 
brought firmly down, and frequent stumbles mark the diffcrenco 
between this species of lameness and laminitis. The subject of 
navicular disease generally walks sound; but the moment he is 
trotted, he goes as if his legs were tied together, his stride being 
shortened in a remarkable manner, but without exhibiting the pe- 
culiar fumbling gait of the foundered animal. As in his case, soft 
ground suits him, and he has no fear of plough, because his sole 
is hard and unyielding. Many tolerably confirmed cases of navicu- 
lar disease may, therefore, be hunted, except when the ground is 
hard, supposing, of course, that they are kept off the road ; but no 
plan of management will enable them to bear the jars incidental to 
harness-work or hacking. When one foot only is the subject of na- 
vicular disease, it often happens that it is smaller altogether than the 
other; but it is somewhat difficult to say whether this is a cause 
or a consequence of inflammation. One thing is quite clear, that 
many horses are met with, still perfectly free frow lameness, in 
which there is a difference of size in their fore feei; but whether 
or no these are afterwards invariably the subjects of navicular dis- 
ease, it is almost impossible to ascertain. It is, however, the gene- 
ral opinion, founded on experience, that when this variation exists, 
navicular disease is extremely likely to attack the smaller foot, if 
it is not already there; and for this reason, horses with such feet 
are generally avoided by the intending purchaser. 

The treatment of navicular disease, as before remarked, is only 
successful in the early stage, before either ulceration or adhesion 
has taken place. If a horse with strong concave soles suddenly 
becomcG lame, points his toe, and shows other signs that his navicu- 
lar bone is inflamed, he should be treated in the usual way suited 
to inflammation, and at the same time liberty should be given to 
the vaj2ulHr tissues to expand, by reducing the substance of the 
horn. Bleeding at the toe has the double good effect of abstract- 
ing blood, and at the same time weakening the sole, so as to allow 



128 THE nORSE. 

ot the expansion which is desired. The operation should, there- 
fore, ac once be performed; at the same time, the whole sole may 
he reduced in thickness, and the heels lowered in proportion. 'J'iie 
foot should then (after the shoe is tacked on) be placed in a cold 
bran poultice, which will soften the horn ; and the system should 
he reduced by the exhibition of the medicines recommended undei 
Laminitis, at page 406. Next day, if the pulse continues high, 
more blood may be taken ; but, in ordinary cases, it is better at 
once to insert a seton in the frog (see Operations, Chap. XX \'.), 
and trust to this for relieving the chronic inflammation remaining, 
by its counter-irrit[*cion. But when the disease itself is mastered, 
there is still a good deal to be done to prevent the injurious effects 
which are so apt to follow. The horse contracts a habit of step- 
ping on his toes, to prevent hurting his navicular structures ; and 
hence the frog is not used, the heels of the crust and the bars are 
not strained, and there being no stimulus to the soft parts which 
secrete them, they waste and contract in size. If the human hand 
is allowed to lie idle, the palm and the insides of the fingers are 
covered with a delicate cuticle, which aifords so poor a protection 
to the cutis, that, on using it with any kind of hard work, it actu- 
ally separates, and leaves an exposed surface, which speedily in- 
flames. But by gradually exposing the same hand to pressure, a 
thickened and tougher cuticle is secreted; and this will bear any 
moderate amount of pressure or friction without injury. Never- 
theless, even the hand so prepared must be continually stimulated 
by work, or the skin returns to its original doHcate state, and is 
then exposed to the same risk of injury as before. So it is with 
the horse's foot, even in a siate of health ; but this is far more 
marked after an attack of disease. The tendency then is to pro- 
duce the natural horny growths of a smaller substance than before; 
and if the secreting surfaces are not stimulated by pressure, they 
become doubly idle, and the frog, as well as the adjacent parts be- 
neath the navicular bone, shows a wasted and shrivelled appearance. 
To avoid the risk of these ill consequences, the horse should be 
placed, for two or three hours daily, on a bed of wet clay, which 
will allow the shoe to sink into it, but will yet be tenacious enough 
to make firm and steady pressure on the frog, while its low tem- 
perature will keep down inflammation. No plan is of so much ser- 
vice in producing what is called expansion of the heels and growth 
of the frog as this; not, as is commonly supposed, from the clay 
mechanically pressing the he^ls out, but from the stimulus of iiH 
pressure causing the soft parts to secrete more horn, and of a 
sounder quality than before. 

Should these remedies fail in restoring the foot affected 
w th navicular disease to a healthy state, recourse can only be had 
to the operation of neurotomy, which is perfectly efiicacious in re- 



I 



ACCIDENTS TO THE LEGS AND FEET. 139 

moving the lameness ; and if there is no ulceration, ar.tl merely an 
adhesion of the tendon to the bone, it will, by causing the hor^e tc 
step more on his heels, effect an absolute improvement in the shape 
of the foct, and hence it has sometimes been considered to have 
produced a cure. Where, however, there is caries of the bone, 
or even ulceration of the synovial membrane, the disease progresses 
even faster than before the operation, and in process of time the 
joint becomes mechanically unfit to perform its duties. 

ACCIDENTS TO THE LEGS AND FEET. 

These parts are subject to a variety of accidents, trifling 
perhaps in the cause which produces them, but serious in their 
effects, from the lameness which ensues. The chief of these are 
ordinary cutting, speedy cutting, and pricks of the foot either 
from putting the sole down upon a nail or a piece of glass, or driv- 
ing a nail improperly in shoeing. Bruises and over-reaches also 
come under this head. 

Ordinary cutting may occur either before or behind, the lat- 
ter being the more common. It is often met with in poor horses, 
where the flesh is so reduced in substance that the legs are brought 
nearer together than in a proper condition. Here all that is re- 
quired is patience, till the legs are restored to their proper relative 
position, taking care in the mean time that there is no permanent 
injury done.^ Usually the inside of one or both feet strikes the 
the fetlock joint of the other leg in passing it, but sometimes the 
blow is given higher up, and it may occur anywhere on the cannon 
bone except just below the knee, when it is called " speedy cut- 
ting," which will be separately considered. Sometimes this blow 
on the side of the cannon bone is either the cause or the effect of 
a splint, the blow of the foot having a tendency to produce exos- 
tosis (See Splints, page 298). But if a splint is thrown out on a 
part of the cannon bone which comes in the way of the natural 
action, the horse whose foot previously passed clear of that part 
of the other leg will hit it, and not only give pain, but cause a 
considerable access of inflammation in the previous enlargement. 
In the treatment, therefore, of cutting, it is necessary to prevent 
the habit being continued from the swelling produced either by a 
splint or by previous blows. A horse perhaps, either from weak- 
pcsrt or bad shoeing, hits his leg and produces considerable swell- 
ing and soreness. Here, unless the swelling is reduced or pro- 
tected, there is no chance of preventing the cutting, because there 
is a projection of the swollen soft parts right in the way of the 
other foot. No alteration of the shoeing, and no increase of 
strength or flesh, will be of service until the inflammation is re- 
duced, and the sore, if any exists, is healed, and this can only be 
done either by rest or by protecting the leg with a boot The 

9 



130 THE HORSE. 

latter is the better plan, and wherever a horse cuts, U is, in m» 
opinion, advisable to let him wear a boot for some weeks, until the 
fikin is quite sound again and reduced to its proper thickness. A 
piece of an old rug folded round the leg so as 8lij:,]itly to overlap, 
and then tied with a tape and turned down over the fetlock joint, 
is quite sufficient to serve this temporary purpose, and being soft 
it is wef calculated to protect a swollen joint; but if it is worn 
lor any .ongth of time, the pressure of the tape and the fricti( u 
of the grit from the road wear away the hair, and cause an un« 
sightly appearance, which is sometimes permanent. If, therefore, 
the cutting is not rectified completely in the course of a month or 
six weeks, a leather or india rubber boot should be nicely a<Iapted 
to the joint and buckled round it, the flat surface of the strap not 
having so injurious an effect as the tape of the cloth boot, ^Vhen 
the cutting takes place above the joint, a pad must be adapted to 
its inside, and fastened round the cannon bone by two or three 
buckles, according to the height at which the injury takes place. 

Such is the best mode of guarding against the injury done 
by cutting, but we must also consider how it can be entirely pre- 
vented. In the first place it should be carefully ascertained by 
what part of the foot or shoe the blow is given. Most commonly 
it will be found, by chalking the inside of the foot, that a small 
patch is rubbed clear of chalk, about half an inch above the mid- 
'dle of the quarter, and corresponding with the hindermost nail 
Hole, especially when four inside nails are used. When this is the 
hitting point, if great care is taken to avoid driving in a nail there, 
the tendency to cut can never be increased as it often is by a raised 
clench, and at the same time the rasp may safely be used to reduce 
the thickness of the hoof at least the eighth of an inch, or often 
much more. The crust is usually here about three-eighths of an 
inch thick, and very often it is so sound that it will bear to be 
rasped down till there is only one-eighth left, provided it lias not to 
hear the pressure of a nail near it, and that the reduction is not 
carried up too near to the coronet. In the hind foot the quarter 
is fully half an inch thick, and it therefore will bear reduction 
better even than the fore foot. Sometimes the blow is given by 
the shoe itself, which is fixed on so as to overlap the crust, and 
then the remedy is simple enough, for this ought never to occur, 
and can easily be prevented by any smith. But supposing, in spite 
of these precautious, the cutting still continues after the horse is 
restored to his natural strength and flesh, can anything be done 
by shoeing? In most cases this question may be answered in the. 
affirmative, by the use of what is called a feather-edged shoe. By 
its aid the heels are both raised, not the inner one only (which is 
entirely useless and even prejudicial, for then the ground surface 
of the choe is not a true plane), but both heels, the inner one be 



ACCIDENTS TO THE LEGS AND FEET. 131 

ing narrow, and having no nail holes beyond the two near the toe, 
BO that there is no danger of the web projecting; no>- is t'lere any 
nail hole required, with the fear of a clench rising, or of the crusi 
being weakened so as to prevent its being thinned to a proper de- 
gree. By thus raising the heels (in the hind foot especially), the 
fetlock is less bent, and as in horses that cut there is almof;t always 
a tendency in their fetlock joints to bend inwards as well as back- 
wards, this diminution of the angle will not only straighten the leg 
in a forward direction, but will also increase the distance between 
the joints, which is the object to be desired. In the fore foot the 
obliquity in this direction is not so frequent, and then the high 
heel will be of no use; indeed, it is only when the toes are much 
turned out that this plan of shoeing the fore foot is ever successful. 
When cutting occurs before, unless there is this turn out, it is bet- 
ter to put the shoes on in a perfectly level manner, and trust to the 
reduction of the thickness of the quarter, and the absence of the 
third nail. If, with these precautions, the horse, when in good 
condition, still strikes his fore legs, it will be better to put up with 
the constant use of a boot. Generally, however, if the inflammation 
is first subdued, and the foot is shod in a perfectly true and level 
manner, taking care to rasp away the particular part which strikes 
the other leg, it will be found that the cutting is avoided. 

Speedy cutting is more dangerous than ordinary cutting, be- 
cause the pain given by the blow is generally more severe, and is 
often so gi-eat that the horse falls as if he were shot. On exam- 
ining the leg of a confirmed speedy cutter there is always appa- 
rent a small scab or bruise on the inside of the cannon bone, im- 
mediately below the knee ; but in slight cases rest may have been 
used to allow the skin to heal, and then no mark may possibly be 
left. A careful examination will, however, generally detect a small 
bare place, partially concealed by the growth of the adjacent hair. 
Tn bad cases the periosteum is swollen, and there is a considerable 
enlargement of the surface of the bone. In the inanagemeMt of 
slight cases of this kind of cutting, the action should be examined 
while the hoof is covered with chalk, and the latter should be 
treated in the same way as already described. If, however, this fails, 
a« it generally does in this form of cutting, there is no remedy but 
io put on a regular speedy-cut boot, in which there is a pad buckled 
on the inside of the leg, and reaching from the knee to the fetlock 
It must be of this length, because otherwise it cannot be kept in 
its place, as the leg allows it to slip down until it reaches the 
larger circumference presented by the joint. Where there is pain 
and swelling caused hy the contusion, it must be treated in the 
ordinary way, by the application of cold water and tincture of 
arnica, a wine-glassful of the latter in two quarts of water. 

Pricfh in shoeing occur from the want of skill in the KmJlh, 



132 THE HORSE. 

who drives the nail too near the laminae, and sometimes even abso- 
lutely wounds them. It may be that the nail in its passage 
upwards is not within an eighth of" an inch of these delicate parts, 
and the horse may not have flinched during the driving of it. but 
when he is put to work the nail opposes a hard unyielding lice to 
th3 soft parts, inflammation is established, and possibly even matter 
is formed which may end in quittor. When, on the day after 
^hoeiuT;, a horse which was previously sound, goes lame, and the 
foot is hot to the touch, it may generally be assumed that a nail 
or nails have been driven too near to the quick, unless there is 
evidence of laminitis from other causes. On tapping the crust with 
a hammer, the horse will flinch at some particular spot, and there 
is the nail which is in fault. Sometimes there is little inflamma. 
tion as yet set up, but the pressure of the nail is suflBcient to cause 
lameness, and in either case the shoe should be taken off". Then, 
if there is reason to suppose that matter has formed, the opening 
from which the nail came out should be enlarged, and the matter 
allowed to escape. If, however, the foot has been merely " bound," 
it may be either left to nature, with a shoe lightly tacked on, and 
a wet " swab" round the coronet, or it may be placed in a bran 
poultice, which is the safest plan. 

When a nail is picked up on the road, the prognosis 
will depend upon the part which it has penetrated If it has 
entered deeply into the toe of the frog, tne probability is that the 
navicular joint has been wounded, or probably the tendon of the 
flexor at its insertion into the pedal bone, either of which are very 
serious accidents. If the wound is further back, there is less risk 
of permanent injury, as the bulbous heels or cushion of the frog 
will bear a considerable amount of injury without permanent 
mischief In any case the treatment should consist in cutting 
away the horn round the opening, so as to allow of a free escape 
of matter if it forms. At the same time inflammation should be 
kept under by cold " swabs" to the coronet, or by putting the whole 
foot into a bran poultice. 

Over-reaches, when slight, may be treated by the application 
of friar's balsam, or tincture of arnica in full strength, which will 
have a tendency to dry them up and prevent suppuration. If, 
however, the heel is very much bruised, a poultice must be applied, 
bit even then a little tincture of arnica should be sprinkled on it. 
\^'hen the bruise is so severe that a slough or core comes away, 
th^ wound may be dressed with a piece of lint, dipped in a solution 
of nitrate of silver, eight grains to the ounce of distilled water, 
and o^er this a bran poultice. In most cases, however, it is better 
to foment the part well and then apply the tincture of arnica neat 

A bruise on a thin sole will sometimes cause matter to form. 
m which case the horn must be cut away, and the case treated at 



FEVERS. 133 



fo? quittor. Before matter forms, the horn should be reduced, and 
the loot should be placed in a cold bran poultice. 



CHAPTER VII. 
CONSTITUTIONAL DISEASES. 

Fevers — Anasarca — Glanders — Farcy, 

FEVERS. 

The horse is very rarely subject to fever as a disease of itself, 
independently of inflammation, under which head I have already 
described catarrhal fever, both of the simple kind and when epi- 
demic, and known as influenza. Indeed, all the important inflam- 
mations of the body are attended with fever; but in them the 
local afi'ections are evidently more serious than the general disturb- 
ance of the system, which we call by the name of fever. By many 
veterinarians it is doubted whether fever ever shows itself in the 
horse without inflammation; but occasionally it may be observed 
under the form of simple fever, presenting all the symptoms 
which accompany ordinary inflammation, but without any such 
complication, and more rarely of the typhoid form, which now 
sometimes attends influenza and other epidemics. 

Simple fever shows itself by dulness and reluctance to move, 
a staring coat, and cold legs and feet, with increased warmth of 
the body. The pulse is quick, soft, and variable — breathing a little 
accelerated, but not much — appetite entirely lost — bowels confined, 
and urine scanty. These symptoms continue for two or three 
days, and then either go on into the typhoid form, or they arc 
complicated by inflammation in some organ of the body. The 
treafment merely consists in giving a mild dose of physic, followed 
by a febriiuge drink, such as the following : — 

Takfe of Spirit of Nitrous Ether 1 oz. 

^\iYQ 3 to 5 drachms. 

Tincture ot Ginger 2 drachns. 

Camphor Mixture 6 oz. 

Mix, and give twice a day. 

Typhoid fever sometimes appears as an epidemic, occurring.' 
either as a sequel to influenza, or in its pure form, without any 



134 THE HORSE. 

complication The latter condition is, however, extremely rare. 
In its early stage, it can scarcely be recognised or distinguished 
from simple fever; but in the course of two or three days the 
strength is so much reduced, the breath is so fetid, and the nioutb 
is loaded with such a black discharge from the tongue and gums, 
that the nature of the <lisease is clearly manifested. The pulse is 
very low. the languor increases, and there is often more or lesft 
delirium. The 30urse of the disease is extremely rapid, and in 
fiv^e or six days a strong horst vill sink beneath its powers, refusing 
food, and dying without any attemj t to rally. The treatmenl 
should be of the most generous kind^ as soon as the bowels have 
been gently moved, which should be effected, if possible, by injec- 
tion, Then give a ball two or three times a day, composed thus: — 

Take of Carbonate of Ammonia . . . . 5 to 1 drachm. 

I'owderetl Ginger 1 dra<-hm. 

Powdered Yellow Bark .... 3 drachms. 

Syrup enough to make into a ball. 

This should be washed down with a quart of ale caudle, and hay 
tea should be allowed as the drink ad libitum; or, if there ia 
diarrhoea, rice-water may be used in the same way. Few ca?es, 
however, will recover, in spite of every exertion and careful treat- 
ment on the part of the attendant. 

ANASARCA. 

Anasarca, or moor-tll, occurs chiefly among horses turned 
out in marshes or low commons, and may readily be known by the 
general swelling of the body, increasing by gravitation in the legs 
during the standing posture, but showing itself chiefly in the lower 
eide of the body in the early morning, when the horse has been 
lying down all night. The disease is now rare, but it occasionally 
appears under the circumstances above described. The treatment 
must be by acting on the kidneys, the following being a useful 
recipe for the purpose : — ■ 

Take of Nitre 4 drachms. 

Powdered Resin 3 drachms. 

Ginger 1 drachm. 

Spirit of Nitrous Ether li oz. 

Warm Water . . 2 pints. 

Mix and give as a drench ever}- night. 

GLANDERS. 

This frigiitful constitutional disease appears to consist 

in the generation of some poisonous matter in the blood, which 

nature attempts to throw ofi' by cstal lishing a discharge in the 

uostrils. It is perfectly incurable, and therefore it is only neucar 



GLANDERS, 



135 



sa,y (0 study its symptoms, with a v,cw to d..tingu,sl. it from 
ozena, with which alone it is liable to be confounded. Its chron.o 
character and insidious onset will serve to distinguish it from 

"Ix'tTcommeI" MKNT, it sceu.s to be confined to the interna, 
linin- of the nostrils, which is not reddened, as in chronic catanli 
(ozen°a), but presents a leaden or purple colour, sometimes of a deep 
ade, but at first generally very light and pale. I'his is aeconi- 
panied by a thin "acrid discharge, transparent, and without odo 
Generally, one nostril only is aSected, which in this country m 
more frequently the left, and in France the right; but why thm 
should be' so has never yet been even conjectured with any appear- 
ance of probability. This state of things usually only lasts toi a 
?rw weeks, but it may go on for an indefinite time and is rocog- 
nired as he first staged during which the hea th does not suffer, 
and the horse can, an'd often does, go on with his ordinary wo k. 
It may be distinguished from ozena by the purple color of the lin- 
ing nfembranc, and by the transparency and freedom from smell 
of the discharge, . . ,., ^^i 

In the second stage, the discharge increases in quantity and 

tV.ough still watery and transparent it is ^^^S^^lV^ ^'/^tw I'lf 
the presence of mucus. The ly-Pl^-t^%S^,^^^^^^^7,f;,^,J^.^,X 
lar-e and become adherent to the hone, feehng aard to the touch, 
and Almost like exostosis. Here the permanent character of he 
discharge and the adherence of the glands to the bone arc the 
diagnostic signs from ozena. , 

In the third stage, the discharge increases rapidly, and be- 

comes yellow and opaque-in fact, it is pure pus. If the nose is 

carefully examined, its lining membrane will be seen to pre^en 

one or more sores, with depressed centres and ragged edges, and 

surrounded by small varicose vessels leading to them IromaU 

directions. In proportion to the extent of the local mischief con- 

stitutional disturbance is displayed. The appetite fails-the horse 

lose, flesh and spirits-the coat is turned the ^™«S, ^^'3;-^*^^ 

skin is hidebound, and the legs fill slightly during the day but go 

down at night-the nose is, at last, frightfully u cerated, the sore. 

spreading to the larynx-ulcers break out on the body-and the 

horse finally dies, worn to a skeleton. „„^^,.i,* 

When the diagnosis of the disease is confinmed as it is undoul fc- 

edly hi-hly contagious, both to other horses and to man himseU, 

the' patient ought^o b; destroyed. By the use of g-ea foo^ ns 

life may be prolonged for a time, and a certain an.ount oi woik 

may be got out of him ; but the risk of contagion is too great to 

be incurred, and no man who regards his own welfare, and th^» 

of his nei-hbois, should keep a glandcrcd horse. 



136 IHE HORSE. 

FARCY. 

Tins DTSEiSSE appears to depend upon the development of t"h« 
Bime poison as in glanders; but the attempt at elimination is made 
ill the skin, instead of the mucous membrane lining the nose. A 
horse inoculated with glanders may exhibit farcy, and vice versa ; 
so that the essence of the disease is the same, but its seat is a 
different tissue. 

Farcy usually shows itself first by one or two small hard knots 
in the skin, called "farcy buds." These soon soften, and contain 
a small quantity of pus ; but as this is rapidly absorbed, the lym- 
phatics which convey it into the circulation inflame; and at a 
short distance another bud is formed, and then another, and 
another. Those buds are usually met with in the thin skin cover- 
ing the inside of the thighs and arms, or the neck and lips. They 
vary from the size of a shilling to that of a half-crown ; and as 
they increase in numbers, the skin becomes oedematous. In pro- 
cess of time, the general system suffers, as in glanders, and the 
horse dies, a miserable, worn-out object. No treatment can be 
relied on to cure the disease; and as it is efjually contagious with 
glanders, every farcied horse ought at once to be destroyed. The 
hard nature of the buds, and the thickened lymphatics extending 
like cortls between, clearlv make known the nature of the disease 



SHOEINQ. 137 



CHAPTER VIII. 

SHOEING. , 

TiTE art of shoeing appears to liave been unknown to the ancients, 
ah hough the need of it was greatly felt, especially in the rough 
canipafgning and long marches constantly recurring in those wariiko 
times. In several campaigns the cavalry was rendered worthless 
and was disbanded on account of the bad condition of their horses' 
feet, and the animals themselves were relieved from duty until 
their hoofs were restored. The value of a horse depended more 
upon the soundness and strength of his hoof than upon any other 
qualification, and various methods of rendering it harder and more 
serviceable were proposed by Xenophon and other early writers. 
But while acknowledging the importance of a sound, vigorous hoof, 
and striving to harden and preserve it, it does not seem to have 
occurred to them to protect it by fastening to it by nails, a band 
or shoe of iron, although Beckman states that horse shoes and 
nails have been found in the graves of some German and Vandal 
tribes of unknown antiquity in the northern part of Germany. 
To William the Conqueror tradition ascribes the introduction of the 
practice of shoeing into England, whence it has remained until the 
present time. 

When the delicacy of organization of the foot of the horse la 
considered, its extreme sensitiveness and wonderful adaptability for 
the purpose of locomotion, the enormous wear and tear incident 
upon constant use in the service of man, its liability to abuse and 
injury, and the consequent suffering of the dumb animal and pecuni- 
ary loss to the owner, it is surprising that there has been so little real 
improvement in the art. While the past half century has been 
so fruitful of results in almost every other branch of industry, it 
has witnessed few or none in this. This is due in great measure 
to the indifference of the artisan to whom the care of the horse's 
foot is committted, who, ignorant of the nature and structure 
of the living member before him, so recklessly handles and 
mutilates it, in much the same manner as his ancestors years 
before him. 

The feet of most of the horses of the present day, and especially 
those used for drafty purposes and heavy work in our large cities, 
^re in bad condition, and more subjects are brought to the knack 



138 THE HORSE. 

er's yard from this cause than all others combined. A healthy, 
vigorous foot is the exception even among horses used for lighter 
work. Brittle, shelly hoofs, ridged and dished, indicating internal 
derangement, withered frogs with the centre arch or stay entirely 
absorbed, high heels bound up by hard,' unyielding crust, all :hese 
deformities and many others are chargeable in some degree to baA 
shoeing. Sometimes injuries are attributed to the blacksmith that 
are due to accident or brutality of the driver, but in as far as our 
system of shoeing interferes with the natural functions of the foot, 
It will induce disease. 

The question then presents itself, Why not teach the mechanic 
the design of the structure, to the repair of which his lifetime is 
devoted ? You may command him to treat your horse as you direct, 
but you must convince his judgment, if you expect obedience at all 
times; as well dictate to a physician what medicines he shall give 
your child at some stages of disease, and depend on him at others; 
he will treat the case in his own way, or not at all; the head, heart 
and hand must accord to make perfect work. 

Our public schools have been a great power in the advancement 
of the mechanical arts; much of the labor-saving machinery now 
building up great wealth in the country, is the fruit of the philo- 
sophical truths there disseminated, and the improved social condi- 
tion of the laboring classes is due to their influence. We have 
schools of science, and colleges for the instruction of students in 
the treatment and cure of horses, yet we expect those whose daily 
business is to perform important surgical operations upon a deli- 
cately organized member, to be reasonably successful, without 
having learned the alphabet of their profession. There are among 
them, individuals, intelligent and ingenious, who would be glad 
of an opportunity of testing the validity of their practice by an 
appeal to the condition of the hidden springs, levers, pulleys, 
cushions, and powers comprising the mechanism of the feet and legs 
explained by those who have made such their lifelong stud}''. Many 
of these have, by long experience, discovered for themselves a fair 
system of shoeing, and are successful in the treatment and preven- 
tion of injury, but, ignorant of physiology, are unable to transmit 
their knowledge to others with sufficient reason to establish its 
truth. 

To such fully educated to their profession, we must look for im- 
provement in the art, and we hope that the day is not far distant 
when America may be able to boast of her veterinary colleges and 
Bchools for farriers, as of her other institutions of learning. 

A small proportion of the pecuniary loss annually sustained in 
r^ur large cities alone, would support such an institution, the good 
results of which would be incalculable. l)ut while a'l thinking 
men admit the beuciits which must result from its establishmont, 



SHOEING. 139 

it is too customary to regard the idea as visionary and impracticable, 
and maintain that the craft would not avail themselves of its ad van- 

At first, doubtless, only the most intelligent would do so, but 
these, applying the theoretical knowledge received there to the 
commonest details and everyday experience of the smithy, would 
convince the most unreasoning that labor, when directed by skill 
and judgment, is more saving of money, strength, and material, 
than when unenlightened and unreasoning; and soon pubha 
opinion would force their more ignorant brethren to follow their 
example. A great painter was once asked how he mixed his colors. 
'' With brains, sir,'' was the apt reply. When this is the rule 
and not the exception, we may indeed look for decided improve- 
ment in the art, the dumb animal be relieve<l of much sufienwg, 
and the community from unnecessary loss. 

Veterinarians may propose theories, but lack the practical expe- 
rience and opportunity of observation which the workmen alone 
can have, while the number of the latter who have combined scien- 
tific education with a thorough knowledge of the details of their 
profession, has been too small to stamp any decided character 

upon it. . o 1 ' ■ 

With but very few exceptions the entire literature ot shoeing is 
European, and to these writers the American public is indebted 
for all knowledge outside of that which an inquiring mind will 
gather from individual observation. 

If horse owners would resort to the books for physiological facts, 
study their own horses, and use their own judgment, they would in 
most cases discover the best style of shoeing for their particular 

use. 

Countries and sections differ greatly in the fashion of horse shoes, 
and the manner of fitting them to the foot, but the general princi- 
ples are the same. .^ 

We do not pretend to advocate any particular form ot shoe, nan, 
or system of shoeing as an ultimatum of success, but wish to draw 
the attention of horse owners to the importance of the subject, that 
they may judge for themselves, the practice best suited to their 
own animals, and may arrive at a more accurate conception and a 
better appreciation of the hazard of a sole dependence on the gene- 
ral ignorance of blacksmiths. _ , 

A careful study of the construction of the foot, as explained in 
this- work, will show the necessity of great caution and intelligence 
in its treatment; more than is usually displayed by our mechanics. 
This will be better understood by a reference to the member itself 
by dissection, which is practicable to most farmers, as they maj 
fre((uently obtain specimens in their vicinity, and arc possessed of 
the facilities for oxamiuatiou. 



140 THE HORSE. 

Sever the foot at the upper joint of the pastern bone, trace the 
veins, arteries and tendons, as sugo;ested by the description ; note 
the principal resistant parts affected by locomotion, the positio'3 of 
the coronary bone and its inclination within the hoof (not as fre- 
quently engraved entirely without or above it, and vertical wiieo 
at rest), the navicular bone and joint, the tendons and sheath, with 
the action of each, the elastic property of the fatty heels, the 
tough, spring}' frog, its shape and position, the structure of the 
coflSn bone, sol 3. crust and bars, and their mutual relations. .Let 
the examination be careful, and guided by reflection, with due 
regard to each particular hoof, fore and hind, near and off", and 
condition of health. Form no hasty conclusions from partial in- 
vestigations, and study for practical benefit, not for a show of wis- 
dom. A wooden vice, butcher's saw', chisel, knives and nippers, 
are about all the instruments necessary, and after becoming ac- 
quainted with the natural tone of the crust, the operation may be 
facilitated by the use of warm water to soften the horn. 

If this has excited an interest in the subject, let the student ex- 
periment with the shoeing of his own horses, young and old ; having 
the entire control and supervision of their working, driving, stabling, 
pasturing and shoeing, he. must learn something, if but his own 
ignorance. If resident of a country of light sandy soil, and the 
nature of the work will allow, the hind feet, if not all, might be 
left unshod to illustrate natural development; we have seen such 
with hard glossy hoofs, that could travel over turnpike roads with 
a light load, without breaking the crust or flinching on the frog. 

The detail of horse-shoeing has been subjected to such adverse 
teachings by different authors (many of whom have but repeated 
palpable errors of their predecessors without attempt at originality"). 
that it would be impossible to produce positive rules that will n(it 
meet with opposition, but the indications of disease, may be related 
without assigning their particular cause, of which there is much 
difference of opinion and uncertainty. 

The conditions of a good, sound foot as apparent, are a gtnooth, 
glossy, resilient crust, almost circular were it continued around at 
the bars, but fuller on the outside quarter, which difference is &el- 
dom seen on a foot that has been shod a dozen times ; a concave 
Bole not too dry and hard ; a full frog elastic throughout, with its 
centre or frog stay complete ; heels sufficiently low and free from 
crust to bear their share of the springiness of action, and full and 
well developed to allow freedom to the bones and tendons in their 
movements. In horses the general rule is that dark hoofs are 
harder than light ones. The internal organization is in conformity 
with the external, the healthy state has been already described 
under the heads of bones, muscles, &c. In disease, we find within 
a concave, furrowed crust, the elastic process or bed of the same 



SHOEING. 



141 




Fig. 20. — a sound fore foot prepared for the sboe. 



A. Tlie heel of the crust. 

B The toe. 

CO The quarters of the crust. 



E E. The angles between the heels and biirft 

where corns ai)pear. 
F F. The concave surface. 



D D. The bars as thev should be left with G G The bulbous heels. 



frog between them. 



H. Cleft. 



form, and a dished coffin bone; under a convex sole a coffin bone 
turned up in front by absorption and flattened like the hoof, sponj^y 
and deficient in bony matter, the sensible sole diminished and the 
horny sole increased in substance ; in long-standing cases of con- 
tracted heels, the interior organizations are alike reduced. Which- 
ever may be the primary change, internal or external, or whether 
either be a result of bad shoeing, no satisfactory solution has yet 
been given. Veterinarians wrangle over their favorite theories, 
charge one another with causing the diseases they profess to pre- 
vent, and are so completely antagonistic in their doctrines, that 
the public cannot be confident of truth, in implicit reliance upon 
the assertions of any. 

Tn comparing the horse's foot with the human, we must be care- 
ful not to fall into error ; their relations to the body are the same, 
but to understand the comparative structures, w.^, must imagine 
ourselves upon all fours, resting upon the finger and toe nails, oui 



1-12 THE HORSE. 

wrist and hoel corresponding to the knee and hook-joints of the 
horse, though the bones are of diiferent rchitive lengths and shape. 
The crust of the hoof is secreted in much the same manner as our 
naiis, and growing downwards, or towards the extremities, slides 
over a laminated and highly sensitive bed, which, when injured, 
produces intense pain, on account of the unyielding nature of the 
crust, and the swelling consequent to inflammation. We mny then 
realize the suffering produced ly the prick of a horse-shoe nail 
under a horn so much thicker than our finger or toe nails. 

As qualifications of resistance, and ease to superincumbent 
structures, we have, of the human foot, the main arch of the soles 
(which must be taken together to establish their completeness), 
and the transver.se arch of the ball of the foot, displayed when the 
toes are brought to the ground. Of the horse there is the arch 
of the sole, and those formed by the heels and frog. The sole and 
coffin bone of the mule are more concave than those of the horse. 

As propellers and levers, we find the same action from heel to 
toe, as the body moves forward in progression. The horse having 
two sets of levers, one for the fore part of the body and one for 
the hind, all working in connection, must make exactly the same 
length of step with each foot to avoid interference. From this 
fact, we account for a frequent cause of forging and stumbling. 
Both horse and man accustom the motion of the body to the length 
of step ; if we then attempt to walk in a pair of shoes so much 
tihorter than usual, as to cmmp the toes and shorten the foot, we 
will be unable to carry the body as ftir with each motion from heel 
to toe, to correspond with our ordinary forward spring of the body ; 
the tendency, therefore (until we learn better), is to a short, quick, 
stumbling gait. Now, take a horse whose hoofs have been slowly 
growing in length for a month, every motion of his body trained to 
accord, pull off his shoes, which will be found (owing to the for 
ward growth of the hoof) farther from the heels than when first 
applied, pare away the crust down to the sole, cut out a big notch 
at the toe for a clip, set the new shoe back within the front of the 
i')()t (more on the fore feet, as they are supposed to grow fasteO. 
then rasp off the outer part of the toe back to the shoes, and clench 
the nails as tight as possible. This is a common mode of shoeing; 
his shoes are too small for him ; he swings into a trot with the 
asnal body motion, but the feet, all shortened, fail their part, 
whih the fore feet, diminished more thin the hind, are not thrown 
out quite as far, and the horse, unaccustomed to the change, dwells 
too long on them to escape a blow from behind. Weariness and 
laziness will also cause forging, by a tardy movement in front, and 
stumbling, by a failure to raise the toe sufficiently to avoid scrub- 
hinir the ground when thrown forward. 

It is too common, especially in cities, among draught-horses, to 



SHOEING. 



143 



uso up the lower p:irt of the crust too fast for its growth. If the 
human fino-er-nail be pierced with a fine needle in the manner of 
a horse-shoe nail driven through the crust of a hoof, it will be ob- 
f^erved that the hole will remain, until the growth of the nail has 
carried it beyond the flesh; that is, the fibres of horn once sepa- 
rated will never unite. Horses used for heavy work arc shod with 
heavy shoes, thick toe and quarter clips, high calks and steel toes, 
and eithei because of the severe strain on the stones, the weight ol 
the shoes and nails, the leverage of calks and toes, waste of crust to 
accommodate clips, or of all combined, they require shoeing about 
once in three weeks, and frequently oftener. At each shoeing, :i 
little more crust and sole is taken off of the ground surface, a few 
more holes made (or nails driven into old ones, enlarging thcaper- 
ture by working about and bending under the clenching iron). 
The surface of the crust is again rasped, diminishing the thick- 
ness, new furrows made to accommodate the clenches, ard the horn 
burned and softened by a hot shoe each time. The blacksmith 
will insist that all these operations are necessary, but the fact is, 
he is using up material too fast, and we leave it to horse owners 
to judge by experiment, how these operations may be modified. 
The French method of bringing the points of the nails out low 
down on the surface of the hoof, appears rational, as it destroys 
the vitality of the crust to a less degree than our custom, and 
leaves a greater proportion of sound foot to bear the shocks. 

Our practice has been, after removing the old shoes (with care 
not to enlarge the old holes by dragging crooked nails through 
them), to pare off the crust and bars well down to the outer edge 
n s,.1p without takincr a shavin<r from the sole, frog, or inside 

of the bars. If the crust has 



of the sole, without taking a shavin< 




not been broken by wear, 
this leaves the foot as near 
its natural shape as possi- 
ble, and a shoe must be 
made to fit it. For road^ 
sters, a narrow, light shoe 
is fitted to the crust in 
length and width, then 
made perfectly level, with- 
out twist or pritchcU burs 
at the nail holes, and while 
SHOEING. sufiiciently hot, slightly 

touched to the crust, to mark any inequalities that may have been 
left after paring. Six nails are used, three on each side, dividing 
the space from about an inch from the centre of the toe, to the 
centre of the quarters. The uail holes are set well back from the 
outside edge, and made straight through the iron; the rails are 



144 THE IiORSE. 

small, smoothed off with the hammer, and slightly bevelled on one 
side of the point; the position of the holes in the shoe brings 
the nails out low down on the surface of the crust, but care must 
be taken to start them in the centre of the holes, that the foot 
may not be cramped or forced out of its natural shape. The pro- 
jecting nail points are filed close to the hoof, that they may be 
broken off without twisting the nail, or enlarging the hole in the 
crust; the nails are then driven up, and the clenches turned over 
and hammered down. 

No rasp has been used, no crust wasted by mutilation for clips, 
and but little injury by nail holes; if the nails be of good iron, 
they are sufficient in number, and the light clenches on a sound 
foot, will hold the shoe perfectly tight, and will not cause abrasion 
of the legs in travelling. 

The foot presents what we might call a beautiful fit, the tender 
part of the frog is protected by the thickness of the shoe, while as 
it is renewed from within, the outside will be worn off by friction, 
and nature will keep it exactly low enough to obtain its necessary 
exercise ; moreover, by driving the nails straight through the mid- 
dle of the hole in the shoe, the foot will be free from that dis- 
agreeable, cramped feeling, we have imagined a horse to experience, 
when the nails are started at either side of the hole in the iron, 
forcing the more yielding fibres of horn to its centre. 

There have been many forms of shoes recommended by different 
authors, but few of which are used in this country. The French 
shoe has a convex ground surface, and the foot is fashioned to it, 
by leaving the quarters full, and the crust sloped off towards the 
toe and heels. Why the bearing should be taken off the heels we 
cannot imagine, and forcing the quarters to bear an undue amount 
of concussion would apparently induce quarter crack, but having 
had no experience with this shoe we may be wrong in our 
conclusions. 

Another fashion imitates an old shoe worn off at the toe, which 
is certainly an advantage to roadsters, as it would be to us, if wo 
could buy new shoes to fit our feet exactly like the old ones. Some 
writers advocate nailing the shoe only upon the outside quarter, or 
with but two naih on the inside, toward the toe, with the idea of 
allowing unimpeded expansion of the crust when the foot strikes 
the ground. Inasmuch as nails injure the crust, the practice of using 
as few as possible is wise, but we have been unable to discover any 
expansion of the anterior half of the ground surface in hoofs that 
have never been shod. A careful examination will convince any one 
that there is no mechanical necessity for such spreading, and from 
the nature of the organization of the foot, it is simply impossible; all 
the spring needful to the front of the crust is gained by the elasticity 
of its fibres. The line of bearing of the lower part of the fore log. 



SHOETNO. 145 

fs directed beliind the centre of the foot, and the yieUling poinia 
of the framework are the pastern, coronary and navicular joints ; 
as the upper part of the coronary bone works backward and down- 
ward, it, with the action of the tendon, slightly spreads the heels 
laterally, and the whole crust partakes of the movement, diminish- 
ing in effect towards the toe ; were the foot completely inelastic, the 
motion might be detected at the quarters, but the whole of a healthy 
foot is of a yielding nature ; the fatty heels, in particular, may be 
compressed like cork, while the frog resembles a piece of india- 
rubber, and there is a spring in every fibre of the crust. These 
cmditions so far distribute motion, that there is practically none 
in the ground surface of the crust forward of the centre. 

From the fact of this style of shoe allowing free expansion, its 
advocates proclaim it a preventive of contracted heels (which, un- 
fortunately, is so prevalent among shod horses); but if, as we sup- 
pose, there be no spreading of the front part of the crust by pressure, 
a shoe nailed only at, and forward of the quarters, will notinterfere 
with any natural movement of the heels. 

This disease (contracted heels), which has been described on 
page 409, appears to be an absorption or waste of a portion of 
the frog and fatty heels, accompanied by an undue secretion of 
crust at the posterior part of the foot, encroaching upon the pro- 
vince of the softer tissue of the heels. 

Many reasons have been assigned for this disturbance of ihe 
natural nutrition of the different parts, all or none of which may 
be correct, for no theory has yet been so clearly demonstrated and 
proven, as to leave the causes and nature of the disease beyond a 
doubt, but we have never known any tendency to contraction, in 
horses that have been shod in such manner as to allow the frog a 
fair amount of exercise, indicated by its position. 

An india-rubber shoe intended to be used as a cushion between 
tiie iron and the foot, has been designed, patented and tried, within 
the last two or three years, but we believe has failed to give gene- 
ral satisfaction. The rubber mashes out in a short time by con- 
cus.^ion, and leaves a loose shoe. Good sole leather is much more 
durable. 

Until recently, the whole process of making the shoe was per- 
formed by hand, but now in the United States, the greater bulk is 
made by machinery, and at one immense establishment. 

The manufactory of Messrs. Burden & Sons, at Troy, New York 
state, with its six forging machines, turns out six shoes per second, 
and in four years made twenty-five thousand tons ; or calculating^ 
one and a half pounds to the shoe, thirty-seven million shoes 
These shoes are of the very best iron, warranted to bend double 
cold, and to wear as long as any made by hand ; the iron used in 

10 



14G THE HORSE. 

their manufacture bearing a tensile strain of seAentj^-eight tliousanJ 
pounds to the square inch. 

The power of the factory is gained by a large stream of water^ 
with a head of seventy-two feet, acting on an overshot wheel sixty 
feet in diameter, with buckets twenty-two feet long and six feet 
four inches deep, the whole wheel weighing over three hundred 
tons. Connected with the establishment is a horse shoe museum, 
comprising many hundred specimens of shoes of all ages and all 
countries, collected together at much expense with a view to im- 
provement upon the old types. There are now three diifeient 
patterns manufactured, and they will I'urnish any other pattern 
desired, if ordered in sufficient quantities. The cost of the shoe to 
the blacksmith, is about a cent and a half per pound above the 
price of the iron. 

Independent of the immense curtailment of expense, the advan- 
tage of machinery directed by one master mind over the old sys- 
terei, or rather want of system of individual effort and incongruous 
labor, is jjrreat : and it should be the aim of the manufacturer, 
as self-interest will dictate, to study and experiment to attain the 
«iost desirable pattern, in width of web, seating, fullering, position 
of nail holes, and quality of iron, and the mechanics will necessarily 
adopt his improvements. 

In short, it should be an aim in shoeing a horse, as in man, to 
make a fit as neat and easy, and of as light material as would be 
adapted to its use^ and experience has proven, that heavy shoes 
with high calks and toes, are not necessary for successful hauling 
over our city cobble stones, or hard roadways. 

In this article we have given no positive directions for shoeing, 
judging the art in its present state too imperfect to satisfy this 
progressive age, but have sought rather to stimulate inquiry and 
ex|,eriment, that may lead to improvement in the system. 




ADMINISTRATION OF CHLOROFORM, 147 



CHAPTER IX. 

OPERATIONS. 

j^dministration of Chloroform — Methods of confining the Horse — 
BUeding — Firing — Setons and Rowels — Blistering — Castration 
— Docking and Nicking — Unnerving — Reduction of Hernia-^ 
Administration of Physic — Clysters — Back-Raking- 

ADMINISTRATION OF CHLOROFOIIM. 

The use of chloroform to procure insensibility to pain is a 
great aid to the operator on the horse, who without it acts under 
great difficulties, owing to the nervous twitch which the poor ani- 
mal gives at each touch of the knife. Under chloroform, however, 
he lies as if dead ; and as long as its effects continue, the most 
elaborate dissection may be conducted with comparative ease. 
There is some little danger of overdoing this powerful agent, but 
the risk is not so great as is generally supposed, and with ordinary 
care it is more than one thousand to one that no injurious effects 
are produced. 

The best and most simple apparatus for the purpose of 
administering chloroform is a common wire muzzle, to the upper 
edge of which a strip of leather six inches deep is stitched, and 
so arranged that it may be buckled round the upper part of the 
jaws. This insures that all the air inspired shall pass through the 
wires, and by covering them with a cap of very loose flannel, in 
which a few holes are cut to facilitate respiration, the muzzle may 
be made ready for use. The liorse is first cast, after which the 
above apparatus is put on and buckled round the jaw, when on 
sprinkling the chloroform over the cap of <flannel, it may be applied 
or removed in an instant, and the amount of anaesthesia regulated 
accordingly. Without souie guard such as the wire affords, the 
ch.loroform runs over the nostrils and lips, and blisters them to a 
serious extent; but when it is used, such an accident can only 
occur from over-saturating the flannel. The necessary quantity of 
this powerful agent must be employed ; but when once it is found 
that a prick of a pin or other pointed instrument is borne without 
(shrinking, the flannel may be withdrawn, and the operation quickly 
commenced, taking care to have an assistant ready to put it on 
again if the horse shows signs of returning sensibility to pain. 
Six or eight ounces of chloroform must be provided, as the quantity 
required is rather uncertain, the average dose being about three 
or four ounces. 

If casting is objected to, either from the absence of hobbles. 
or froi:i fear of injury to the horse, a soft bed of straw should be 



148 THE HORSE. 

provided, and a strong halter must be put over the muzzle with 
two cords, one of which should be held by a man on each side. 
These will serve to guide the horse in falling; but it is extremely 
difficuk to make sure of his going down w^iere he is wanted to liej 
and there is also considerable time lost in securing him after he \h 
down, which ihe safety of the operator imperatively requires 
The effect of the chloroform must therefore be kept up for a much 
longer time than if it is given after the horse is cast and secured. 

METHODS OF CONFINING THE HORSE. 

There are various plans adopted by veterinary surgeons tc 
bind the horse's limbs, so that he cannot injure himself or them 
when undergoing an operation. Even when chloroform is em- 
ployed, some coercion of this kind must generally be adopted, as 
directed in the last section ; for if it is given in the standing posi- 
tion, the horse is very apt to injure himself in falling, which is 
often accompanied by powerful convulsive motions, and moreover 
he cannot with certainty be placed in a suitable position. The 
plan adopted by Mr. Rarey is seldom suitable, because it can only 
be employed on subjects previously taught to go down without 
^sistance, for the severe struggle which the untaught horse make;:} 
3fure he submits is calculated to produce injurious constitutional 
disturbance, and, moreover, it would sadly increase any of the 
various diseases of the limbs for which operations are so often per- 
formed. Sometimes, however, it might advantageously be intro- 
duced into veterinary surgery, as for instance in castration, when 
the colt will not suffer his hind legs to be touched, but even then 
it will be necessary to throw him two or three times, or he will be 
in such a state of arterial excitement that intlammation will be 
likely to follow. 'J'he usual methods of confinement are : 1st. 
The hobbles. 2d. The side line. 3d. The trevis, or break. 4th. 
The twitch and barnacles. 

Hobbles consist of four broad padded leather straps, provided 
with strong buckles, and long enough to encircle the pasterns. To 
each of these an iron ring is stitched, and to one of them a strong 
soft rope, six yards in length, is securely attached. Provided with 
four, or, if possible, five assistants, the operator buckles the hob- 
ble with the rope attached to the near fore leg, and the remaining 
three to the other legs. Then passing the rope through their rings, 
and through the first also, it is held by three assistants, the nearest 
of whom stands about a yard from the horse, so as to pull upwards 
as well as away from him ; a fourth assistant holds him by the 
head to keep him quiet, and to be ready to fall on it as soon as he 
is down, and the fifth stands at his quarters, ready to push him 
o\'cr on his off side. This place is sometimes occupied by the 
operator himself when he is slxort of hands. Casting should never 



METHODS OF CONFINING THE HORSK. 149 

be altcmpted on any hard surface, a thick hed "1^7 ^fS'lt 
ee.H.rv to t.rcvent injury from the heavy tail which takes place. 
The hind d^s should be brought as far forward as possible before 
beu-innin- to pull the rope, and when the men do this they should 
Zt "With a'will," but without jerking, so as to/^f «''-';;-. 
off his n-uard, when he will resist much less stoutly than if e is 
allow8d°n,ore time. As soon as the legs are drawn up togethe.^ 
the man at the ,,«arter« is quite safe from injury, and he may lean 
forcibly against that part, and force the horse over to.the off snJe 
upon which he falls: the assistant at the head keeping that part 
down, no further struggling takes place, and he is securea by pass- 
i,rthc end of the rope under the hobble rings between the fore 
and bind legs, and securing it with a hitch Something more, 
hotevcr, is necessary to be done before any of the --1 opera tioi« 
can be performed, as all of the legs are at liberty to a ert^in 
extent and the scrotum cannot be reached in safety. The lol- 
kwing further precautions must therefore be taken, varying ac- 
cording to the part to be operated on. ■ , -.u 
For C..ST....T10N the horse should be cast on hi. near side w th 
a web halter in the usual place of a collar. The rope of the ha tcr 
s then passed through the ring of the hobble on the off hind leg^ 
and using it as a pulley the foot is drawn forcibly forward beyond 
thearmSnd firmly secured to the webbing round the neck and 
bringing it back again it may be passed round the *.gh above the 
hock (which should be guarded from friction by a soft cloth or 
leather) and again secured to the webbing. By these precautions 
he senium is°completely exnosed, and the hind ^g^ -"»f ^e 
stirred beyond the slight spasmodic twitch which extends to the 

'''to PERFORM ANY OPERATION ON THE FORE LEG, it muSt be 

taken out of its hobble, and drawn forward upon '>» f ! ^as^ist 
webbing attached to its pastern, where ,t must be \«lf ^J a "s^'^'" 
ant, the lior.se having iiule or no power over it in th s po-''"""; 

The HiNi) LEO IS secured in the same way as tor cast ation, 
unless the fetlock is to he fired, when webbing must be m^'^^l 
"he thi..h above the hock only. With most horses, however, firing 
can be performed without casting, by buckling up the fore leg, or 
bv bavin? it held by a competent assistant. ■ n „„ 

^V^KN-T^E HORSE is to be released, the hobbles are quietly un- 
buckled in succession, beginning with the undermost hmd leg. 

Several improved hobbles have been invented, but they are 
suited rather for the veterinary surgeon than for the ordinary 
h"^^mlster^ who will only require them for castration and muio, 

"'TCsn-E LINE is sometimes used fur securing one hind Ic^ 
thus:- (he long rcpe and single hobble only arc required, the lat- 



150 THE HORSE. 

ter being buckled to the hind pastern, which is to be scoaied. The 
rope Ls then passed over the withers and brout?^ht bi ck round the 
bosom and shoulder of the same side as tht leg to which it is 
secured, and then passed inside the first part of the rope. By 
pulling at the end of this cord the hind leg is drawn up to the 
shoulder, and secured there with a hitch, but the plan is nut nearly 
so safe as casting. 

Teie trevis or break consists of four strong posts driven into 
the ground, at the corners of a space six feet long by three feet 
wide. They are strongly braced together by wooden stays, three 
feet six inches from the ground on three sides, the fourth being 
left open for the horse to enter, after which this also is made good 
by a padded bar passed through stout iron rings fixed at three feet 
from the ground to the uprights. By means of this framework, to 
which sundry rings are bolted, the body of the horse is first 
securely confined by two broad bands under the belly and two 
above the shoulders and croup. Thus he can neither rear nor kick 
to any extent sufficient to free himself, and all that is necessary is 
to lay hold of any limb selected lor operation, and confine it to one 
of the uprights, or to some other convenient point. This is the 
best plan to be adopted for firing and other operations on the legs, 
and if the belly-bands are wide, strong, and secure, chloroform may 
be administered in it, without the horse going down. 

The twitch is a short stick of strong ash, about the size of a 
mopstick, with a hole pierced near the end, through which is passed 
a piece of strong but small cord, and tied in a loop large enough 
to admit the open hand freely. This is passed over the upper lip 
close to the nostrils, and then, by twisting the stick, compression 
is made to a painful extent, which will keep horses quiet for any 
slight operation. Sometimes it is placed on the ear in preference, 
but in either case the effect is dependent on the pain ])roduced. 

Barnacles consist in the application of pressure by means of 
the handles of a pair of pincers enclosing the muzzle, and held 
firmly by an assistant. They are, however, not so useful as the 
twitch. 

BLEEDING. 

In the early part of the present century bleeding was 
resorted to on every appearance of the slightest inflammation, and 
often without the slightest necessity. Many horses were regularly 
bled " every spring and fall," to prevent mischief, as was supposed ; 
but at last it always happened to every horse which lived long 
enough, that the more frequently blood was taken the more the 
operation was required, and when it was absolutely wanted to lower 
the heart's action, such a quantity of blood must be taken that 
the system was reduced to a dun'^orous degree. Stallions wcff 



BLEEDING. 151 

constynlly siibuiittcd to this treatment, and mares as long as they 
v\'ere worked, so that in course of time it has happened to thf' 
horse, as it has also to man himself, that the horrible abuse of the 
lancet for two or three consecutive generations has completely 
changed the type of the diseases to which they are both subject. 
Inflammation does not now follow the same course that it used to 
do, but is of a much milder type, and the attendant fever is in- 
clined to assume a typhoid character, if lowering measures are 
pushed to any great extent. An attempt has been made to account 
for this change in human diseases by the alteration in the habits 
of the present generation, which are certainly more temperate than 
those of the previous one; but in the case of the horse the reverse 
holds good, for he is now stimulated by more corn than ever. The 
only point, as far as I can make out, in which the horse and his 
master hav'e been similarly maltreated, is in the abuse of the lan- 
cet, which undoubtedly may account for the change in the type 
of their diseases to which 1 have alluded, and it is, therefore, rea- 
sonable to refer it to this cause. ]3ut though this powerful agent 
has been thus abused, we must not be deterred from having re- 
course to it when severe inflammation occurs in the horse. Some 
times there is no time to wait for the effects of a slower remedy 
even if there is one which will be sufficiently powerful to contr(/l 
the heart's action. The only sensible plan in such case is to choose 
the lesser of the two evils, and to save life, or the integrity of the 
organ attacked, as the case may be, by abstracting blood, always 
remembering that this is to be avoided as long as it is safe to do 
so, but that when it is decided on, a sufficient quantity must be 
taken to produce a sensible effect, without which there is no at- 
tendant good to counterbalance the evil. 

]3leei)1NG is either performed in the jugular vein, when the 
whole system is to be affected ; or when a part of the body only is 
inflamed, it may be desirable to abstract blood locally, as for in- 
stance from the toe or from the plate vein, in inflammation of the 
foot, and in ophthalmia from the vein which lies on the face just 
below the eye. 

The instruments used are either the lancet or the fleam, the 
former being the safer of the two, but requiring some practice to 
manage it properly. In bleeding from the jugular vein a string 
is sometimes tied round the neck below the part to be opened, 
which is four or five inches below the fork in the vein in the uppf:T 
part of the neck. The skilled operator, however, makes pressure 
with his left hand answer the purpose of causing the vein to rise, 
and during this state either uses the lancet with his right or the 
fleam with the aid afforded by the blow of a short stick, called a 
"blood stick." When the blood begins to flow, the edge of the 
bucket which eatohcs it is pressed against the same part, and aa 



153 THE HORSE. 

long as this is contimied a full stream will run until faiiitnesa 
occurs. After sufficient blood has been taken, the two lips ol' the 
wound are raised between the fingers, and a iMuall common pin 
passed through both, when the point is cut off and some tow is 
twisted round, bj which the edges are kept together and the pin 
is retained in position. In a couple of days the pin may be with- 
drawn without disturbing the tow, and the woun*^ will heal with 
little or no deformity. Sometimes the blood continues to fiow 
beneath the skin after it is pinned, and a swelling takes place in 
consequence, which is called ecchymosis. When this happens, 
cold water should be freely applied and the head kept up by rack 
ing to the manger. 

The quantity of blood necessary to be taken will vary accord 
ing to circumstances, and can scarcely be fixed from the appearance 
of the blood drawn, but a repetition of the operation may be de- 
cided on if the clot of the blood, after standing, is very concave 
at the top (cupped), or if it is very yellow (buffed), and especially 
if both these signs are present. In inflammation of a severe char- 
acter less than six quarts of blood will seldom lower the pulse 
sufficiently to be of much service, and sometimes seven or eight 
quarts even must be taken from a large plethoric animal. 

Inflammation of the vein will sometimes supervene upon 
bleeding, the aijmptoms being a slight swelling appearing in the 
evening, or the next day, with a little oozing from the wound. 
These are soon followed by a hard cord-like enlargement of the 
vein, which feels hot to the touch, and the parts at the angle of 
the jaw swell considerably. The consequence generally is that the 
vein is obliterated, occasioning some disturbance to the circulation, 
especially when the head is held down, as it is at grass. The 
treatment consists in cold applications as long as there is heat, the 
lotion recommended at page 316 being generally useful. When 
the heat has subsided, and the vein remains enlarged, the binio- 
dide of mercury will procure the absorption of the new deposit^ by 
rubbing it in as recommended at page 300. 



FIRING. 

The purpose for which the heated iron is employed is twofold ; 
first, to produce immediate counter-irritation, by which the pre- 
vious inflammation is reduced ; and secondly, to cause the forma- 
tion of a tight compress over the part, which lasts for some months. 
It is the fashion to deny the existence of the latter efibct of tliie 
operation; but every practical man must be aware that it follows 



FIRING. 153 

npon filing; to a greater or less extent, according to cIrcumstanuo3^ 
but always lasting for a few months, until the skin stretches lo its 
previous condition. 'J'he blemish which it leaves, and the pain 
which it occasions, both during and after the application of the 
irons, should cause it to be avoided when any equally useful substi- 
tute can be employed ; but, unfortunately, there are many cases 
where it stands without a rival, as being at once the safest and the 
most efficient remedy which can be adopted. Blisters and setors 
can be made to cause the same amount of counter-irritation ; but 
the inflammation accompanying the former often extends beneath 
the skin, and increases the mischief it was intended to relieve; 
while the latter has no effect w^hatever in producing pressure upon 
the parts beneath. The pain of firing can be relieved entirely at 
the time of the operation by chloroform; but the subsequent 
smarting is quite as bad, and this is beyond the reach of any 
anaesthetic. Independently, however, of the interests of the master, 
it is also to the advantage of the horse to get thoroughly cured; 
for if he is not, he will either work on in misery, or he will be con- 
signed to the knacker's yard ; and, therefore, the adoption of the 
most efficacious plan of treatment, even if somewhat the most pain- 
ful, is the best for both. 

Firing may be performed standing, by the use of the side 
line for the hind leg, or by fixing up one fore leg when the other 
is to be operated on. There is, however, nothing like the break or 
trevis, where more than a slight extent of surface is to be lined. 
The firing-iron should have a smooth edge, about the thickness of 
a worn shilling ; and it should be heated to the point when it shows 
a dull red in the dark. When the disease for which the irons are 
used is slight, the skin should not be penetrated ; but in bad cases, 
where the mischief is great, and particularly when it is wanted to 
have a good permanent bandage, the cauterization must be deeper ; 
but this requires some practical knowledge to decide. The hair 
of the part should be cut very closely with the scissors, or shaved ; 
then, having secured the leg. the iron is to be steadily but rapidly 
passed in parallel lines over the skin, making just the proper pres- 
sure which is required to burn to the requisite depth. A lighi 
brown mark should be left, which shows that the proper effect haa 
been produced; and the color should be uniform, unless it is de- 
sired to penetrate deeper at certain parts, which is sometimes 
practised with advantage. The lines are sometimes made in & 
slmtiug direction round the leg, and at others straight up and 
down ; but it is useless to describe the details of this operation, 
which can only be learned by watching its performance by another 
hand. Badly dune firing is always an eyesore ; but when the lines 
are evenly drawn, and they have healed without any sloughs, 
caused, by in-c<j,ular or excessive pressure, they show that a master- 



154 



THE HORSE. 



hand has been at work, and that the poor beast has been treated 
scientifically. In very severe diseases, a blister is sometimes ap- 
plied over the part, immediately after the firing; but this cau 
seldom be required, and as it aggravates the pain tenfold, it should 
bo avoided, if possible. On the following day, a little neat's-foot 
oil should be gently rubbed, or brushed with a feather, over the 
leg ; and this should be repeated daily, until the swelling which 
comes on has nearly subsided. Less than three months' rest 
should never be allowed for the operation to have its full effect, as, 
if the horse is put to work before that time has elapsed, the dis- 
ease will almost certainly return. Indeed, it is far better to allow 
double this time, especially if the horse is wanted for fast work. 

SETONS AND ROWELS. 

Setons are pieces of tape or lamp cotton, passed through and 
beneath the skin, leaving the two ends hanging out, either tied 
together or with a knot upon each. The latter is the safer plan, 
as the loop is always liable to be caught on a hook or other pro- 
jecting body. The needle with which the passage is eff"ected has 
a spear point, slightly turned up, and an eye at the other end (see 
fig. 22), through which the tape or cotton is threaded. The 




FlO. 22.— SETON NEEDLES 



QOARTER SIZE. 



ordinary one is about nine or ten inches long, and by its means a 
tape or piece of lamp cotton, smeared with blister cerate, may be 
passed through a long track of the cellular membraae, by pinching 
up the skin into a fold, and piercing this close to the body with 
the needle, which is then to be carried straight through. On 
drawing the tape out of the eye, it must be tied in a large knot at 
each end, which will prevent its slipping out. In three or four 
uays, a profuse discharge will come on, and it must ke kept up, if 
necessary, by repeated applications of blister cerate, or digestive 
ointment, as may be necessary. The ends should be sponged 
occasionally, to remove the accumulated matter. 

A SMALLER CURVED NEEDLE, about fivc or six inches long (see 
lower figure, 22) is used for introducing a seton into the frog, or 
beneath the eye. For the former operation, a twitch is first 
applied, and the foot is then buckled up to the arm, as described 
at page 1G7 The needle then, :irmed with the tape, greased with 



ROWELS — BLISTERING. 155 

blister cerate, and a little oil to lubricate the surfVice, is tlinist in 
at the heel and out at the cleft of the frog, taking care not to go 
deep enough to wound the tendon as it passes over the navicular 
l)one. The needle is then forcibly drawn through, and the tape 
knotted, as already described. The openings must be kept clean 
bv spou-in- daily ; and in three or four weeks the tape will Uav-i 
nearly worked its way out, when it may be withdrawn. 

Rowels are now seldom employed, being very unmanageable 
plans for causing counter-irritation. An incision, about an inch 
long, is made in the skin, selecting a part where it is loose y at- 
tached, and into this a blunt instrument, called a "cornet, is 
pushed, and worked about in all directions, until the skin is sepa- 
rated from the subjacent parts for a circle with a diameter of from 
two to three inches. Into this a piece of thick leather of that 
diameter, with a hole in the middle, is inserted, previously having 
smeared it with blister cerate ; and the part is then left to nature. 
In a few days, a discharge of matter comes on, which must be 
washed oflF occasionally; and in the course of time the leather, if 
allowed, would find its way out by ulceration. Letore, howe^er, 
this takes place, it is generally removed. 
BLISTERING. 
When it is decided to blister any part, the hair should be 
rut off as closely as possible ; the ointment is then rubbed in with 
the hand for ten minutes, leaving a good quantity smeared on the 
surface If the legs are to be blistered, the heels should be pro- 
tedled by lard. Considerable itching is caused after the first two 
or three days, and many horses, if allowed, gnaw the part to such 
an extent as to cause a serious blemish. It is therefore necessary 
to keep the head away, which is done by putting a cradle on 
the neck The irritation of loose straw is very aggravating and 
the stall or box should either be bedded with tan, or sawdust or 
with used litter, so damp as to Ue smoothly. I ^'^ g^'^^^'.fJ^.fj^ 
practice to put the blistered horse on a bare floor 5 but he will often 
do great harm to his legs and feet (which are of course unsound, 
or they would not be treated in this way), by constantly stamping 
from the pain occasioned while the blister is beginning to rise 
When the legs are stiff and sore from the swelling he stands sti 1 
enough, but .?t first there is nothing of this kind to keep him quiet. 
J W; blister, which is very mild, and useful for trifling diseases 
of the legs, or for bringing on the hair after. - broken knee, can 
Ine.rally be used wittiout a cradle; but even with it, horses will 
Bon^etimes gnaw themselves, and it is better not to run any risk 
At the end of a week, some neat's-foot oil should be applied every 
morning, with a feather or -soft brush, to keep the scabs as supple 



156 THE HORSE. 

as possible. The \Jirious forumlas for blisters will be given in the 
list of materia medica. 

CASTRATION. 

For removino the testicles several methods of operation 
have b«en proposed; but hitherto none has been tried which is £C 
successful as the old plan, in which the division of the cord is per- 
formed by a heated iron with a sharp edge. In human surgerj 
the spermatic artery is tied, and all danger of hemorrhage is over, 
because the small amount of bleeding which takes place from the 
artery of the cord is of no consequence, as it cannot enter the cavity 
of the peritoneum. In the horse, on the other hand, the inguinal 
canal communicates with that cavity, and if the ligature is used, 
there is a double danger of inflammatiun — first, from effused blood, 
and secondly, from the irritation of the ends of the ligature. This 
plan, therefore, is now generally abandoned, though some few prac- 
titioners still adhere to it, and the choice rests between two methods 
of removal by cautery, namely, the actual and potential, — the 
former giving more pain at the moment when the heated iron is 
applied, but the latter being really far more severe, as the caustic 
is a long time in effecting a complete death of the nerve and other 
sensitive parts. Torsion of the vessels has been also tried, but it 
is often followed by haemorrhage, and, moreover, the pain which 
is caused during the twisting of the artery is apparently quite as 
great as is given by the heated iron. We are all inclined to fancy 
that fire occasions more agony than it really does, but those who 
have in their own persons been unfortunately able to compare the 
eff'ects of the two kinds of cautery, have uniformly admitted that 
the actual is less severe than the potential, if the two are used sc 
as to produce the same amount of cauterization. 

The best period for performing the operation on the 
foal is just before weaning, provided the weather is mild. If, how- 
ever, his neck is very light, and the withers low, its postponement 
till the following spring will give a better chance for the develop- 
ment of these parts. The cold of winter and heat of summer are 
both ;Drejudicial, and the months of April, May, September, or 
October should always be selected. 

No preparation is required in the "sucker," but after wean- 
iTig the system always requires cooling by a dose of physic and 
light food before castration can safely be performed. Horses which 
have been in training, or other kind of work attended with high 
feeding, require at least three weeks' or a month's rest and lower- 
ing, by removing corn, mashing, &c., together with a couple of 
doses of physic, before they are fit to be castrated. 

For the ordinary ?.ethod of operating, a pair of clame 
should be provided^ lined at the surfaces where the compressior 



CASxRATION. 157 

IS made, with thick jaycsrs of vulcanized india-rubber. This ma- 
terial gives a very firm hold without bruising the cord, and causing 
thereby inflammation. A large scalpel and a couple of iron;? will 
complete the list of instruments, over and above the apparatus 
necessary for casting the horse (see Casting, page 433). The horse 
being properly secured according to the directions there given, and 
a twitch being put on the lip in case he should struggle much, the 




1 I I I I I Ml I 



^^^^^^Mm 



I I I I I I I I 




FlO. 23. — CLAMS LINED WITH VULCANIZED INDIA-RUBBER. 

operator, kneeling on the left side, grasps the testicle so as to make 
the skin of the scrotum covering it quite tense. A longitudinal 
incision, about three inches long, is then made down to the testicle, 
which, if care has been taken that there is no rupture, may be 
rapidly done — a wound of its surface not being of the slightest con- 
sequence, and giving fav less pain than the slow niggling dissection 
of its coverings, which is sometimes practised to avoid it. The 
testicle can now be cleared of its coverings, and the hand laying 
hold of it gently, the operator raises it from its bed, and slips the 
clams on each side the cord, at once making the proper pressure 
with them, which should be sufficient to prevent all risk of the 
part enclosed slipping from between its jaws. Great care should 
be taken that the whole of the testicle, including the epididimis, 
is external to the clams; and as soon as this is satisfactorily ascer- 
tained, the cord may be divided with the ordinary firing-iron at a 
red heat. To make sure that no haemorrhage shall occur, somo 
operators sear the artery separately with a pointed iron; but if the 
division is slowly made with the heated iron, and avoiding any 
drag upon the cord, no such accident will be at all likely to follow, 
though very rarely it will happen in spite of every care. The 
clams may now be removed, and the other testicle treated in the 
same way ; after which the hobbles are cautiously removed, and the 
patient is placed in a roomy loose box, where he can take sufficient 
exercise to insure the gravitation of the discharge, but no more. 

The Frencfi Plan, by means of caustic, requires two pieces 
of wood, each about six inches long and an inch square, with a 
notch or neck at each end, to hold the twine by which they are 
tied together, and a groove in the two opposite surfaces, to hoH 
the caustic. This is composed of one part of corrosive sublimate 
and four of flour, made into a paste with water, and it is inticv 



158 THE HORSE. 

Juccd while moist into the grooves, wliici it f-liouid completel}- fill, 
The horse is then secured as before, the cord is exposed, the pieces* 
of wood are adjusted on each side, and firmly held together with 
pincers by an assistant, while the operator binds their ends together 
with waxed string. The testicle may now be removed with the 
knife, if the string has been tied sufiiciently tight; but unhss the 
operator has had some experience, it is safer to let it remain on till 
it comes away by the ulceration of the cord. This is tlLe uncovered 
operation^ the covered one being performed with the same instru- 
ments, as follows. The scrotum is grasped, and opened, taking 
care to avoid wounding the tunica vaginalis reflexa, or outer serous 
investment, but cutting down to it through the skin, dartos muscle, 
and cellular membrane. These are to be carefully dissected back, 
until the cord can be isolated without wounding its serous invest- 
ment (tunica vaginalis), which is so thin that it is easy to ascertain 
with certainty the nature of its contents by examination with the 
fingers. If there is no hernia, the caustic can at once be applied 
to its outside in the same way as before ; and if there is, it must 
be pushed back into the cavity of the abdomen, by a little careful 
manipulation. 

Some veterinary surgeons operate in a similar way to one 
or other of the two last described plans, with the omission of the 
caustic, which they maintain is wholly unnecessary, for there must 
be suflScient pressure to cause a sloughing of the cord There is 
certainly some truth in this argument, but if the pressure has not 
been sufficient to cause the sloughs, the caustic will assure that 
essential process, and thus it renders the operation safer, though 
it soujcwhat increases the subsequent local inflammation. The 
plan without caustic is almost precisely the same, as far as safety is 
concerned, as that formerly adopted by country farriers, called 
•' twitching," in which two pieces of wood were applied on each 
side the base of the scrotum, and tied firmly at each end. The 
pain, however, occasioned by the pressure on so large a surface 
of skin is intense, and the operation is on that account indefensible, 
besides which it is not nearly so successful as either the ordinary 
English or French operation3. 



DOCKING AND NICKING. 

These operations on the tail are subject to the Aishion 
if the day, the former being used for the purpose of shortening 
its length, which is inconvenient to the rider or driver in dirty 
weather, and the latter for altering its carriage, when this is too 
iow for the taste of the owner. Nicking, is, however, very seldom 
practised in the present day, and never to the extent which was 
the fashion fifty years ago. 



DOCKINfi AND NICKING. 



159 



DoCKlNft is Tory rapidly performed by the aid of the docking- 
knife, which is made on the principle of the guillotine. As the 
tail i.s removed at one sudden and forcible chop, the horse need 
not be confined in any way bcyoad fixing up bis foro leg, unless he 




Fig. 25— DOCKING-KNIFE. 

is a very violent animal, when he must be placed in the break (see 
page 435). The exact length of the dock to be left being fixed 
upon, the hair is cut off close below, and the remainder tied back 
to the root of the tail. The situation of the joint, which may be 
ascertained from its greater prominence, is then marked, by care- 
fully removing the hair with the scissors, and then laying it in the 
rounded groove of the wooden frame in which the knife plays, so 
that the edge of the latter shall exactly correspond with the part 
to be cut, tile handles are suddenly and forcibly brought together, 
and the end is removed at one blow. A pointed iron should hjive 
been previously heated, and then raising the tail to a level with 
the back, the arteries are first seared, which a very slight touch 
will effect, and then the point is pushed into the sheath of the 
tendons lying at the top of the stump, so as to cause them to 
adhere in that position and effect a handsome carriage of the tail. 
Lastly, a little resin is melted over the end of the stump with the 
iron now pretty nearly cooled, and the operation is concluded by 
untying the hair. 

Nicking was formerly carried to such an extent that the poor 
horse couM not lower his tail, but was always obliged to carry it 
>ver his back. Several deep cross-cuts were made in the under- 
side after being docked, and then a cord was fastened to the hair, 
and being carried over a pulley attached to the ceiling, the tail 
was kept drawn up over the back by a weight at its end. The- 
horse co ild lie down by raising the weight, but by no possible 
means Cfsuld he lower his tail, and in course of time the wounds 
healed by granulation filling up their spaces, and the nicking was 
eouij leted. When a horse now carries his dock too low, a sub 



IGO THE HORSE. 

cutaneous incision of the flexor tendons is made, which is generally 
sufficient, but if not the pulley is adopted for a few days. Sonie- 
linies the tail is carried on one bide, and then a similar operation 
by subcutaneous division of the tendons on the side to which the 
tail is carried will have the desiied effect, always taking care in 
each case to keep the knife clear of a joint. 

UNNERVING. 

The nerves distributed to the foot are sometimes divided for 
navicular disease, as they lie on each side of the bone above the 
fetlock joint. No one, however, should attempt this operation 
without having previously seen it performed, as it requires con- 
siderable dexterity for its due execution. I have described such 
operations as may be wanted in the parts of the country where a 
veterinary surgeon cannot always be reached, but unnerving is but 
seldom required, and I shall therefore omit any detailed account 
of it. 

REDUCTION OF HERNIA. 

Hernia is sometimes strangulated; that is to say, the protrud- 
ing portion of bowel is confined in its situation by such pressure 
on its neck as to cause danger of mortification. Under such cir 
cumstances, if it is found to be impossible to return the bowel by 
careful manipulation, an operation must be pe.-formed. This con- 
sists in carefully dissecting through the coverings of the bowel, 
and when it is exposed, a long and narrow guanoed knife (^Ih'sfoiiri 
cache) is pa.ssed by the side of tlie intestine thiough :he opening 
into the abdomen, and then making the blade proaiinent it is with- 
drawn, and the fibres causing the pressure are divided. This 
usually allows of the bowel being passed back i^gain into the 
abdomen, when the operation is completed by bringing the parts 
together with one or two stitches. 

When hernia occurs in the colt either at the navel or 
scrotum, it is often desired to effect a cure by returning the bowel 
and causing the opening to close by adhesive inflammation. If 
the colt is uncut, the performance of the covered operation on the 
French plan (see page 443) will generally succeed, great cara 
being of course necessary to return the intestine before the clams 
are applied. In umbilical hernia a similar plan has been tried, 
but the adhesion is too superficial to be of much use ; and the only 
successful method is the passage of one or two skewers through 
ihc opposite edges of the opening, and then winding some waxed 
twine round them, with a moderate degree of force. This should 
not be sufficient to cause mortification, or the opening will only be 
increased in size, and the bowel will protrude without any covering 
K skin; but it should be just sufficient to cause adhesive influm- 



ADMINISTRATIOX OF niYSIC. IGl 

Diation ; experience in such matters alone enabling the opeiator to 
hit upon the riirlit amount. 

In all orERATiONS FOR HERNIA chloroform is of great assist- 
ance, as it prevents the risk of a protrusion of the bowel while the 
knife is being used, which will otherwise sometimes happen during 
the struggles of the horse. 

THE ADMINISTRATION OF rilYSIC. 

Medicine may be given to the horse either in the solid fofm 
as a ball, or liquid, and then called a drench, or as a dry powder, 
when in small compass and with little taste, mixed with the corn 
or mash. Sometimes also a small quantity of a tasteless liquid, 
such as liquor arsenicalis, may be given with the food. 

In giving a ball, place a halter on the head with a knot, so 
that the jaws may be widely opened. Then turn the horse round 
in the stall and back him up to the manger, lay hold of the tongue 
and draw it out of the mouth, grasp it with the left hand, which 
must also hold the halter-cord so short that the strain is partly 
taken off the tongue, and then holding the ball in the right hand 
with the fingers enclosing it like a cone, and, the arm bare, it 
should be rapidly carried to the back of the mouth and deposite(f 
there, holding the head up till it is seen to pass down the gullet. 
Cautious grooms use a balling iron, which gags the mouth and 
protects the arm, but a handy man will have less difiiculty in intro- 
ducing his hand than in inserting the gag, unless the horse is a 
determined biter, when it may be absolutely necessary. In that 
case the gag is insinuated with as much ease as a bit in a flat 
direction, and the handle being suddenly depressed, the mouth 
gapes and the teeth cannot be brought together. Then holding 
its handle together with the halter in the left hand, the right 
easily introduces the ball into the pharynx. 

In giving a drench, two persons are necessary, the operator 
standing at the right shoulder, while the assistant is ready to steady 
the head and aid him on the left. The operator raises the head 
with his left hand beneath the jaw, and with his right he forces 
the lip of the horn into the side of the mouth, and, raising the 
small end, pours the contents in. If the horse is violent, a twitch 
must bo placed on the nose, and held by the assistant. The horn 
must nr)t be passed far into the mouth, or any unnecessary violence 
used, for fear of producing a cough ; in Avhich case, the hand must 
bo instantly lowered. A rieglect of this precaution will probably 
cause some of the liquid to pass into the larynx. 

CLYSTERS 

Are most valuable agents, if properly administered. The 
best syringe for the purpose is Read's, by which any quantity may 

a 



163 THE IIOKSE. 

be thrown up ; and in colic, some gallons of warm water are sonie- 
times required to produce the desired effect. For an ordinary 
opening clyster, a handful or two of common salt may be dissolvert 
iu five or six quarts of warm water. 

BACK-RAKING 

Is EFFECTED Ij passing the greased hand and arm into the 
rectum, and withdrawing any hardened fneces which may have 
accumulated there. When the quantity of these is great,, the hand 
must be passed several times, until it cannot reach any more. 
Whenever physic is given to an unprepared horse, as is sometimes 
necessary iu severe disease, this precaution should never be 
neglected. ]Mr. Gamgee, of Edinburgh, is of opinion that this 
operation is more safely and easily performed by the aid of instru- 
ments, supporting his views by the assertion that the introduction 
of the hand gives unnecessary pain. On one or two occasions I 
have certainly seen a shouldei of mutton at the end of a human 
arm, and this would perhaps cause some little difficulty ; but no 
hand of average size is nearly so large as the mass of dung usually 
passed; and those who are not above dohifj a dtrtij joh iclten dufy 
requires if, well know by experience that the hand and arm may bo 
passed to the shoulder without giving any pain whatsoever. In- 
struments are useful when they cannot be dispensed with, but thej 
are always liable to cause laceration. 




ALTERATIVES. 1(33 



CHAPTER X. 



THE PRINCIPAL MEDICINES, AND THE DOSES IN WHICH THEY 
CAN SAFELY BE ADMINISTERED : — 

^1 Iter a fives — Ancesth etics — A Jiodynes — A nt acids — A nth e Imintict 
— -Aperients — Astringents — Blisters — Caustics — Charges — • 
Clyster's — Cordials — Demulcents — Diaphoretics — Digestives 
Diuretics — Embrocations — Emulsions — Expectorants — E'eb- 
rifuges — Lotions — Narcotics — Refrigerants — Sedatives — Sti7n- 
ulants — Stomachics — Styptics — Tonics — Vermifuges, or Worm 
Medicines. 



(The Formulae enclosed in [ ] are by the American Editor ) 



ALTERATIVES. 



This term is not very scientific, but it is in very general 
use, and easily explains its own meaning, though the modus operandi 
of the drugs employed to carry it out is not so clear. The object is 
to replace unhealthy action by a healthy one, without resorting to 
any of the distinctly-defined remedies, such as tonics, stomachics, 
&c. As a general rule, this class of remedies produce their effect 
bjr acting slo^yly but steadily on the depuratory organs, as the liver, 
kidneys, and skin. The following may be found useful : — 

i. In Disordered States op the Skin — 

Emetic Tartar ..... 2 ounces. 

Powdered Ginger ... .3 ounces. 

Opium . . . . . .1 ounce. 

Syrup enough to form 16 balls ; one to be given every night. 

2. Simply Cooling — 

Barbadoes Aloes • . » . I ounce. 
Castile Soap . . . . • Ij ounce. 

Ginger ...... | ounce. 

Syrup enough to form 6 balls : one to be given every morning. Or, 

S. Barbadoes Aloes . . . . U drachm. 

Emetic Tartar 2 drachms. 

Castile Soap ..... 2 drachms. Mix 

I. Alterative Ball for General Use — 

Black Sulphurct of Antimony . . 2 to 4 drachoLS. 

Sulphur 2 drachms. 

Nitre 2 drachms. 

Linseed meal and water enough to form a ball 



164 THE HORSE. 

b. For Genekallt Defective Secretions — 

Flowers of Sulphur ... .6 ounces. 

Emetic Tartar 5 to 8 drachm!* 

Corrosive Sublimate . . . .10 grains. 

Linseed meal mixed with hot water, enough to form 6 balls, ore of 
which may be given two or three times a week. 

6. In Debility of Stomach — 

Calomel .1 scruple. 

Aloes 1 drachm. 

Cascarilla Bark, 'i 

Gentian lioot, > of each in powder . 1 drachm. 

Ginger, ) 

Castile Soap 3 drachms. 

Syr^p enough to make a ball, which may be given twice a week, or 
every other night. 

ANAESTHETICS. 

ANifl.*,THETlcs (a, not, privative ; aUOr^trtq, sensation) produce 
insensibility to all external impressions, and therefore to pain. 
They resemble narcotics in their action, and, when taken into the 
stomach, may be considered purely as such. The most certain and 
safe way of administering them is by inhalation, and chloroform 
is the drug now universally employed. The modus operandi of the 
various kinds has never yet been satisfactorily explained ; and 
when the comparison is made, as it often is, to the action of intox- 
icating fluids, we are no nearer to it than before. With alcoholic 
fluids, however, the disorder of the mental functions is greater in 
proportion to the insensibility to pain ; and if they are taken in 
sufficient quantities to produce the latter effect, they are dangerous 
to life itself. The action of anaesthetics on the horse is very sim- 
ilar to that on man. 

ANODYNES, 

Sometimes called Narcotics, when taken into the stomach, 
pass at once into the blood, and there act in a special manner on 
the nervous centres. At first they exalt the nervous force ; but 
they soon depress it, the second stage coming on the sooner accord- 
ing to the increase of the dose. They are given either to soothe 
(he general nervous system, or to stop diarrhoea; or sometimes to 
relieve spasm, as in colic or tetanus. Opium is the chief anodyne 
ii?cd in veterinary medicine, and it may be employed in very large 
dosj.s : — 

7. Anodyne Drench for Colic — 

Linseed Oil 1 pint. 

Oil of Turpentine . , . . 1 to 2 ounces.. 

Laudanum . . . . . 1 to 2 ounces. 

Mix, and give every hour till relief is afforded. 



ANODYNES — ANTACIDS — ANTHELMINTICS. 165 

8. Anodyne Ball for Colic (only useful in mild cases) — 

Powdered Opium . . . . ^ to 2 drachms. 

Castile Soap ..... 2 drachms. 

Camphor ...... 2 drachms. 

Ginger . . . . . • H drachm. 

Make into a ball with Liquorice powder and Treacle, and give every 
hour while the pain lasts. It should be kept in a bottle or bladder. 

9. Anodyne Ball (ordinary) — 

Opium . . . , , . ^ to 1 drachm. 

Castile Soap 2 to 4 drachms. 

Ginger . . . . . , 1 to 2 drachms. 

Powdered Aniseed . . . . | to 1 ounce. 

Oil of Caraway Seeds . . . ^ drachm. 

Syiup enough to form a ball, to be dissolved in half a pint of warm ale, 
and given as a drench. 

10. Anodyne Drench in Superpurgation, or Ordinary DiARRut£A— 

Gum Arabic . . . . .2 ounces. 
Boiling Water I pint. 

Dissolve, and then add — 

Oil of Peppermint . . . .25 drops. 

Laudanum . . . . . 2^ to i ounce. 

Mix, and give night and morning, if necessary. 

11. In Chronic ])carrh<ea — 

Powdered Chalk and Gum Arabic, each 1 ounce. 

Laudanum h ounce. 

Peppermint Water . . . .10 ounces. 
Mix, and give night and morning. 

ANTACIDS. 

As THE TERM IMPLIES, tlicse remedies are used to neutralize 
acids, whether taken into the stomach to an improper extent, or 
formed therein as products of diseases. They are often classed as 
alteratives when used for the latter purpose. They include the 
alkalies and alkaline earths, but are not much used in veterinary 
medicine. 

ANTHELMINTICS. 

Drugs which are used to destroy worms receive this name in 
medical literature when the author is wedded to the Greek lan- 
guage. The admirers of Latin call them vermifuges, and in Eng- 
lish they receive the humble name of worm medicines. Their 
action is partly by producing a disagreeable or f^ital impression on 
the worm itself, and partly by irritating the mucous lining of the 
bowels, and thus causing them to expei their contents. Failing the 
remedy recommended at page 511, the following may be useful : 

12. WoEM Ball, (recommended by Mr. Gamgee) — 

Asafostida 2 drachms. 

Calomel U ^Iraclmi. 

Powdered Savin U drachm. 

Oil o^ Mule Fern 30 drops 



166 THE HORSE. 

Treacle enough to make a ball, which should be given at night, aad 
followed by a purge next morning. 

13. Mild Drench for Worms — 

Linseed Oil .... .1 pint. 

Spirit of Turpentine 2 drachms. 

Mix and give every morning. 

Antispasmodics are medicines which are intended to count^rao< 
excessive muscular action, called spasm, or, in the limbs, cramp. 
This deranged condition depends upon a variety of causes, which 
are generally of an irritating nature; and its successful treatment 
wir often depend upon the employment of remedies calculated to 
remove the cause, rather than directly to relieve the effect. It there- 
fore follows that, in many cases, the medicines most successful in 
removing spasm will be derived from widely separated divisions of 
the materia medica, such as aperients, anodynes, alteratives, sti'ii- 
ulants and tonics. It is useless to attempt to give many formulas 
for their exhibition ; but there are one or two medicines whicli 
exercise a peculiar control over spasm, and I shall give them with- 
out attempting to analyze their mode of operation. 

14. In Colic— 

Spirit of Turpentine » . . . .3^ ounces. 

Laudanum Ij ounce. 

BarbadoeH Aloes 1 ounce. 

Powder the Aloes, and dissolve in warm water; tlien add the other 
ingredients, and give as a drench. 

15. Clyster in Colic — 

Spirit of Turpentine .... 6 ounces. 

Aloes 2 drachr)is. 

Dissolve in tliree quarts of warm water, and stir the turpentine well 
into it. 

16. Antispasmodic Drench — 

Gin 4 to 6 ouncea 

Tincture of Capsicum .... 2 drachms 

Laudanum 3 drachms. 

Warm Water li pint. 

Mix and give as a drench, when there is no inflammation. 

APERIENTS. 

{Physic Balls and Drenches.) 

Aperients, or purges, are those medicines which quicken or 
increase the evacuations from the bowels, varying, however, a good 
d(>-al in their mode of operation. Some att merely by exciting the 
muscular coat of the bowels to contract; others cause an immense 
watery discharge, which, as it were, wavshes out the bowels; whilst 
a third set combine the action of the two. The various purges 
also act upon different parts of the canal, some stimulating the 



APERIENTS. 



167 



gn.all intestines, whilst others pass through thorn without affecting 
them, and only act upon the large bowels; and others, again, act 
upon the whole canal. There is a third point of difference in 
purges, depending upon their influencing the liver in addition, 
.vhich mercurial purgatives certainly do, as well as rhubarb and 
eorae others, and which effect is partly due to their absorption into 
the circulation, so that they may be made to act, by injecting into 
the veins, as strongly as by actual swallowing, and their subse- 
quent passage into the bowels. Purgatives are likewise classed, 
according to the c1c<jree of their effect, into laxatives acting mildly, 
and drastic purges, or cathartics, a^'ting very severely. 

17. Ordinary PiiTsic Balls— 

Barbmloes Aloes . . . . 3 to 8 drachms. 

Hard Soap 4 drachms. 

Gintrer 1 drachm. 

Dife^olve in as small a quantity of boiling water as will suffice; then 
slowly evaporate to the proper consistence, by which means gripirg i<5 
avoided. 

18. A Warmer Physic Ball— 

Barbadoes Aloes . . • 
Carbonate of Soda . 
Aromatic Powder 
Oil of Caraway 
Dissolve as above, and then add the oil. 

19. Gently Laxative Ball — 

Barbadoes Aloes . • 
Ivhubarb Powder 
Ginger ..... 
Oil of Caraway 
Mix, anil form into a ball, as in No. 1. 

20. Stomachic Laxative Balls, for Washy Horses— 



3 to 8 drachms 
\ drachm. 
1 drachm 
12 drops. 



3 to .5 drachms 

1 to 2 drachms 

2 drachms. 
15 drops. 



Barbadoes Aloes 
Ivhubarb . 
Ginger 

Cascarilla Powder 
Oil of Caraway 
Carbonate of Soda . . 

Dissolve the Aloes as in No. 1, and then add the ether ingredients 
21. J'l'ujing Balls, with Calomel — 
Barl)adocs Aloes 



3 drachms. 
2 drachms. 
1 drachm. 
1 drachm. 
15 drops. 
Ih drachiri. 



Calomel . 
Ivhubarb . 
Ginger 
Castile Soap 
Mix as in No. 1. 
22. Laxative Drench — 

Barba<locs Aloes 
Canella Alba . 
Salt of Tartar . 
Mint Water 



3 'o 6 drachms 
^ lo 1 drachm. 

1 to 2 drachms. 
J to 1 drachm. 

2 drachms. 



3 to 4 draclims, 
1 to 2 drachms. 
1 drachm. 
8 ounces. Mix 



168 



THE HORSE. 



• • • 


3 to 6 ounces. 


• 


3 to 5 «3rachm8. 


. 


2 drachms. 


. 


8 ounces. 


Mint Water by the aid of heat, and 


'.her ingredients. 






4 ounces. 


• • • 


3 to 5 ounces. 


. 


2 pints. Mix. 


• « • 


4 ounces. 


. 


4 ounces. 


1 . . . 


1 pint. Mix 


• • • 


4 to 6 drachms. 


. 


6 ounces. 


. . 


1 ounce. 


. 


2 pints. Mix. 


[N Slight Attacks of Cold — • 


• . • 


6 to 8 ounces. 


. 


2 pints. Mix. 




4 to 8 ounces. 


• • • 


8 to 16 pints. 



23. Another Laxative Drench — 

Castor Oil 
Barhadocs Aloes 
Carbonate of Soda 
Mint Water 
Mix, by dissolving the Aloes in the 
then adding the o 

24. A Mild Opening Drench — 

Castor Oil 
Epsom Salts 
Gruel 
25 A VERY Mild Laxative — 
Castor Oil 
I>inseed Oil 
Warm Water or Gruel 

26' Used in the Staggers — 
Barbadoes Aloes 
Common Salt . 
Flour of Mustard 
Water 

27. A Gently Cooling Drench 

Epsom Salts 
Whey 

28. PcRGATxvH Clyster — 

Common Salt . 
Warm Water . 

ASTRINGENTS. 

(For Diarrhoea and Dysentery.) 

Astringents appear to produce contraction on all living ani 
Dial tissues with which they come in contact, whether \n the 
interior or on the exterior of the body; and whether immediately 
applied or by absorption into the circulation. But great doubt 
exists as to the exact mode in which they act; and, as in many 
other cases, we are obliged to content ourselves with their effects, 
and to prescribe them empirically. They are divided into astrin- 
gents administered by the mouth, and those applied locally to 
external ulcerated or wounded surfaces. 

29 Foji Bloody Urine — 

ToAvdered Catechu . • , . i ounce. 
Alum ...... ^ ounce. 

Cascarilla Bark in powder . . 1 to 2 draclims. 

Lifj[uorice Powder and Treacle enough to form a ball, to be given twice 

a day. 
30. EoB Diabetes— 

Opium ...... 5 drachm. 

Ginger powdered . . . . 2 Irachms. 

Oak Bark powdered .... 1 ounce. 

Alum, as much as the tea will dissolve. 
Chamomile Tea .... 1 pint. 

Mix for a drench. 



ASTRINGENTS — BLISTERS, OR VESICANTS. 



169 



31. External Astringent Powders for Ulcerate & Surfac 
I'owdcred Alum . . . .4 ounces. 

Armenian Bole ... .1 ounce 



32, 
33 

34. 
35. 

36. 



White Vitrio- . 
Oxide of Zinc . • 

Abiringent Lotion — 

Goulard Extract 

Water 

Sulphate of Copper . 

Water 

Astringent Ointment for Sore Heels — 
Acetate of Lead 
Lard 



Another for the Same — 

Nitrate of Silver powdered 
Goulard Extract 
Lard . . . . • 

Mix, and use a very small portion every night. 



4 ounces. 

1 ounce. Mis. 

2 to 3 drachms. 

5 pint. 

1 to 2 drachms 

2 pint. Mix 

1 drachm. 

1 ounce. MJk. 

^ drachm. 
1 drachm 
1 ounce. 



BLISTEKS, OK VESICANTS. 

Blisters are applications which inflame the skin, and pro(3u3e 
a secretion of serum between the cutis and cuticle, by which the 
latter is raised in the form of small bladders; but in consequence 
of the presence of the hair, these are very imperfectly seen in the 
horse. They consist of two kinds — one, used for the sake of coun- 
tcr-irritation, by which the original disease is lessened, in conse- 
quence of the establishment of this irritation at a short distance 
from it; the other, commonly called "sweating" in veterinary sur- 
gery, by which a discharge is obtained from the vessels of the part 
itself, which are in that way relieved and unloaded. There is also 
a subsequent process of absorption in consequence of the peculiar 
gtimulus applied. 

37. Mild Blister Ointment (Codnter-Irritant)— 

Ho.i;'s Lard 4 ounces. 

Venice Turpentine .... 1 ounce. 
Towdered Cantharides . . .6 drachms. 
Mix, and spread. 
3<S. Stronger Blister Ointment (Counteh-Ikritant) 
Spirit of Turpentine ... 
Sulphuric Acid, by measure 
Mix carcfuUv in an open place, and add — 

* I lock's Lard 4 ounces. 

Powdered Cantharides ... 1 ounc«. 
Mix, and sorcad. 



ounce. 
2 drachms. 



170 THE HORSE. 

39. Very Strong Blister (Counter-! rritant) — 

Strong Mercurial Ointment . . 4 onnces. 

Oil of Origanum . . • • 5 ounce. 

Finely-powdered Euphorbium . . 3 drachms 

Powdered Cantharides . . . ^ ounce. 
Mix, and spread. 

40. Rapidly Acting Blister (Counter-Irritani) — 

Best Flour ctf Mustard . . .8 onnces. 

Made into a paste with water ; then add — 

Oil of Turpentine . . . . 2 ounces. 

Strong Liquor of Ammonia . . 1 ounce. 

This is to be well rubbed into the chest, belly, or baik, in cR^c» of 
acute inflammation. 

41. Sweating Blister — 

Strong Mercurial Ointment . . 2 ounces. 

Oil of Origanum . . . .2 drachms. 

Corrosive Sublimate . . .2 drachms. 

Cantharides powdered . . .3 drachms. 
Mix, and rub in with the hand. 

42. Strong Sweating Blister, for Splints, Ring-Bones, Spavins, 

&c.— 

Biniodide of Mercury . . . 1 to Ij drachm. 
Lard ...... 1 ounce. 

To be well rubbed into the legs, after cutting the hair short ; and folloAve J 
ly the daily use of Arnica, in the shape of a wash, as follows, which is t 
be painted on with a brush : — 

Tincture of Arnica . » . 
Water 

43. Liquid Sweating Blisters — 

Cantharides . . . • 

Spirit of Turpentine 
Methylated Spirit of Wine 
Mix, and digest for a fortnight ; then strain. 

44. Powdered Cantharides 
Commercial Pyroligncous Acid 

Mix, and digest for a fortnight ; then strain. 



CAUSTICS, OR CAUTERIES. 
( To destroy Proud Flesh in Wounds.') 

Caustics are substances which burn away the living tissues of 
the body, by the decomposition of their elements. They are of 
two kinds, viz. : First, the actual cautery, consisting in the appli- 
cation of the burning iron, and called tiring; and, secondly, the 
potential cautery, by means of the powers of mineral caustics, such 
as potassa fusa, lunar caustic, corrosive sublimate, &c. 

FiRiNO is described in the chapter on Operations, at page 4.'i8. 

The following are the ordinary chemical applications used aa 
potential cauteries : — 



12 


ounce. 

to 15 ounces. 
Mix. 




ounce. 

ounces. 

pint. 






ounce, 
pint 





-CHARGES. 171 

45 Fused Potass, difficult to manage, because it runs about in all 
directions, and little used in veterinary medicine. 

46. Lunar Caustic, or Nitrate of Silver, very valuable to the veterinary 

surgeon, and constantly used to apply to profuse granulations. 

47. Sulphate of Copper, almost equally useful, but not so strong af 

Lunar Caustic. It may be well rubbed into all high granulations, 
as in broken knees, and similar growths. ^ 

48. Corrosive Sublimate in powder, which acts most energetically 

upon warty growths, but sliould be used with great care and dis- 
cretion, it may safely be applied to small surfaces, bu*^ not w^rh- 
out a regular practitioner to large ones. It should be washed oft* 

after remaining on a few minutes. For the mode of applying it in 
castration, see page 4t2. 

49. Yellow Orpiment is not so strong as Corrosive Sublimate, and may 

be used with more freedom. It will generally remove warty 
growths, by picknig off their heads and rubbing it in. 

50. Muriate of Antimony, called Butter of Antimony ; a strong but 

rather unmanageable caustic, and used either by itself or mixed 
with more or less water. 

51. Chloride of Zinc is a most powerful caustic. It may be used in 

old sinuses in solution — 7 drachms in a pint of water. 

Milder Caustics : — 

52. Verdigris, either in powder or mixed with Lard as an ointment, in 

the proportion of 1 to 3. 

53. Red Precipitate, ditto, ditto. 

54. Burnt Alum, used dry. 

55. Powdered White Sugar. 

Mild Liquid Caustics : — 

56. Solution of Nitrate of Silver, 5 to 15 grains to the ounce of dis- 

tilled Avater. 

57. Solution of Blue Vitriol, of about double the above strength. 

58. Chloride of Zinc, 1 to 3 grains to the ounce of water. 



CHAKGES 

Are adhesive plasters which are spread while hot on the legSj 
and at once covered with short tow, so as to form a strong and un- 
yielding support while the horse is at grass. 

59. Ortinary Charges — 

Burgundy Pitch .... 4 ounces. 

Barbadoes Tar 6 ounces. 

Beeswax . 2 ounces. 

Ked Lead 4 ounces. 

The three first are to be melted together, and afterwards the Lead is to 
be added. The mixture is to be kept constantly stirred until sufficiently 
cohl to be applied. If too stiff" (which will depend upon tlie weatiier), it 
may be softened by the addition of a little Lard or Oil. 



173 THE HORSE. 

60. Arnica Charge— 

Canada Balsam 2 ouncse 

Powdered Arnica Leaves . . . . | ounce. 
The Balsam to be melted and worked up with the leaves, adding Spiriti 
of Turpentine if necessary. When thorouglil}' mixtd, to he well rubbeJ 
into the whole leg, in a thin layer, and to be covered over with tiie Charge 
No. 59, which will set on its outside and act as a bandage, while the Ar 
nica is a restorative to the weakened vessels. This is an excellent appli 
cation. 

CLYSTERS, OR ENEMATA. 

Clysters arc intended either to relieve obstrnction or spasm of 
the bowels, and are of great service when properly applied. They 
may be made of warm water or gruel, of which some quarts will 
be required in colic. They should be thrown up with tho proper 
syringe, provided with valves and a flexible tube. 

For the turpentine clyster in colic, see Antispasmodics. 

Aperient clysters, see Aperients. 

6L Anodyne Clyster in Diarrhcea — 

Starch, made as for washing ... 1 q\iart. 

Powdered Opium 2 drachma. 

The Opium is to be boiled in water, and added to the starch. 

CORDIALS 

Are medicines which act as temporary stimulants to the whole 
system, and especially to the stomach. They augment the strength 
and spirits when depressed, as after over-exertion in work. 

62. Cordial Balls — 

Powdered Caraway Seeds ... 6 drachms. 

(linger 2 drachms. 

Oil of Cloves 20 drops. 

Treacle enough to make into a ball. 

63. Powdered Aniseed .... 6 drachms. 
Powdered Cardamoms .... 2 drachms. 

Powdered Cassia 1 drachm. 

Oil of Caraway 20 drops. 

Mix with treacle into a ball. 

64. Cordial Drench — 

A quart of good ale warmed, and with plenty of grated 
ginger. 

65. Cordial and Expectorant — • 

Powdered Aniseed . . . ^ ounce. 

Powdered Squill 1 drachm. 

Powdered Myrrh I2 drachm. 

Balsam of Peru, enough to form a ball. 

66. Liquorice Powder . . . . i ounce. 
Gum Ammoniacum .... 3 drachms. 

Balsam of Tolu Lj <irachm. 

Powdered Squill 1 drachm. 

Linseed meal and boiling water, enough to form into a nass. 



DEMULCENTS — DIAPHORETICS— DIGESTIVES. 



173 



DEMULCENTS 

Are used for the purpose of soothing- irritations of the bowelft^ 
kidneys, or bladder, in the two last cases by their effect upon iho 
secretion of urine. 

07. Demulcent Drench— 

Gimi Arabic ^ ounce. 

Water 1 pint. 

Dissolve and give as a drench night and morning, or mixed with a mash. 

68. Linseed 4 ounces. 

Water 1 quart. 

Simmer till a strong and thick decoction is obtained, and give as above 

69. Makshmallow Drench — 

Marshmallows A double hand- 
Water 1 quart, [lui. 

Simmer, as in No. 68, and use in the same way. 



DIAPHOEETICS 

Have a special action on the skin, increasing the perspiration 
sometimes to an enormous extent. 



70. Ordinary DiArnoRETic Drench — 

Solution of Acetate of Ammonia 
Laudanum .... 
Mix, and give at night. Or, 

71. Solution of Acetate of Ammonia 
Spirit of Nitric ^ther . 

^lix, and give as above. 

72. In Hide- bound — 

Emetic Tartar 
Camphor 
Ginger . 
Opium . 
Oil of Caraway 
Linseed meal and boiling water, to form a ball, 
twice or thrice a week. 

73. In Hide-bound (but not so efficacious) — 

Autimonial Powder 

Ginger 

Powdered Caraways 
Oil of Aniseed .... 
Alix ai3 above. 

These remedies requii.3 moderate exercise 
out their effects, after which the horse should, 
dry. 

DIGESTIVES. 

Digestives are applications which promotf suppuration, and thi 
healing of wounds or ulcers. 



8 to 4 ounces. 

1 ounce. 

2 ounces. 
2 ounces. 



Ig drachm. 

^ drachm. 

2 drachms. 

^ (h-achm. 

]5 drops. 

which is to be given 



2 drachma. 
1 drachm. 
6 drachniA 
20 drops. 

in clothing to bring 
be whispcd till quita 



174 Tiiii HORSE. 



V4 DiGEST/vE Ointment — 

Red Precipitate 2 o mces. 

Venice Turpentine .... 3 ojnces. 

Beeswax 1 ounce. 

Hog's Lard 4 ounces. 

Melt the three last ingredients over a slow fire, and when nearly cold 
stir in Uie powder. 

DIURETICS. 

Diuretics are medicines which promote the secretion and dis- 
charge of urine, the eifect being produced in a different manner by 
different medicines ; some acting directly upon the kidneys by 
sympathy with the stomach, while others arc taken up by the 
blood-vessels, and in their elimination from the blood cause an 
extra secretion of the urine. In either case their effect is tc 
diminish the watery part of the blood, and thus promote the absorp- 
tion of fluid effused into any of the cavities, or into the cellular 
membrane in the various forms of dropsy. 

75. Stimulating Diuretic Ball — 

PoAvdered Besin . • • .3 drachms. 

Sal Prunclle 3 drachms. 

Castile Soap 3 drachms. 

Oil of Juniper 1 drachm. Mix 

76. A MORE Cooling Diuretic Ball — 

Powdered Nitre . . . . 5 to 1 ounce. 

Camphor ...... 1 drachm. 

Juniper berries 1 drachm. 

Soap ...... 3 drachms. 

Mix, adding linseed meal enough to form a ball. 

77. Diuretic Powder for a Mash — 

Nitre . . . . • . ^ to | ounce. 
Resin I to | ounce. Mix. 

78. Another more Active Powder— 

Nitre 3 drachms. 

Camphor . • • , • . Ij drachm. Mix. 



EMBROCATIONS. 

Kmbrocations, or Liniments, are stimulating or sedative 
external applications, intended to reduce the pain and inflamma- 
tion of internal parts when rubbed into the skin with the hand 

79. Mustard Embrocation — 

Best Flour of Mustard , • .6 ounces. 
Liquor of Ammonia .... 1^ ounce. 
Oil of Turpentine . . . .1^ ounce. 
Mix with sufficient water to form a thm paste. 



1 



EMBROCATIONS — EMULSIONS — EXPECTORANTS. 175 



h ounce. 
^ ounce. 
I ounce. Mix. 

2 ounces. 
5 ounce. 
2 drachms. 
1 ounce. Mix. 



2 ounces. 

1 ounce. 

^ ounce. 

J ounce. W\x. 



^ to 1 drachm. 

1 drachm. 

2 ounces. Mix. 



SO SiiJNtuLATixo Emhrocation 

Camphor .... 
Oil of Turpentine 
Spirit of Wine . 

81. Sweating Embrocation for Windgalls, &c 

Strong Mercurial Ointment 
Camphor .... 
Oil of Rosemary , , 

Oil of Turpentine 

82. Anotiiek, but Stronger — 

Strong Mercurial Ointment 
Oil of Bay 
Oil of Origanum 
PoAvdcred Cantharidcs 

83. A most Active Sweating Embrocation — 

Bin iodide of Mercury 
Powdered Arnica Leaves . 
Soap Liniment . 

EMULSIONS. 

When oily matters have their globules broken down b^ 
friction with mucilaginous substances, such as guui arabic or yelk 
of egg, they are called emulsions, and are specially useful in sooth- 
ing irritation of the mucous membrane, of the trachea, and bronchi 

84. Simple Emulsion — 

Linseed Oil 2 ounces. 

Honey 3 ounces. 

Soft Water 1 pint. 

Subcarbonate of Potass .... 1 drachm. 
Dissolve the honey and potass in the water; then add the linseed oil by 
degrees in a large mortar, when it should assume a milky appearance. 
It may be given night and morning. 

85. Another more active Emulsion — 

Simple Emulsion, Ko. 84 ... 7 ounces. 

Camphor .1 drachm. 

Oliium in Powder n drachm. 

Oil of Aniseed 30 droj^s. 

Rub the three last ingredients together in a mortar with some white 
Kugar; then add the emulsion by degrees. 



EXPECTORANTS. 

Expectorants excite or promote a discharge of mucus from 
tl.e lining membrane of tlie bronchial tubes, thereby relieving iu- 
flammation and allaying cough. 

86. Expectorant Ball in Ordinviiy Cougii without Inflai* 



M ATI ox— 

(inm Amraoniacura 
Powdered Squill . 
Castile Soap . 
JToney enough to form a ball. 



^ ounce. 

1 drachm. 

2 drachms. 



176 



TilE HORSE. 



o7. In Old Standing Cough (Stomach)^ 

Asafoetida 

(ralbanum 

Carbonate of Ammonia 

Ginger 

Honey enough to form a ball. 

88. A Strong Expectorant Ball — 

Emetic Tartar 

Calomel ....... 

Digitalis 

Powdered Squills 

Linseed meal and water enough to form a ball, which 
peated without great care. 



3 drachms, 
1 drachm. 
h drachm 
Ih drachm. 



f drachm. 
15 grains. 

5 drachm. 

5 drachm, 
is not to be re 



FEBEIFUGES 

{Fever Balls and Powders'), 

Generally called fever medicines, are given to alky the arte- 
rial and nervous excitements which accompany febrile action. 
They do this partly by their agency on the heart and arteries 
through the nervous system, and partly by increasing the secre- 
tions of the skin and kidneys. 



89. Fever B ATX— 

Nitre . . • • 

Camphor .... 
Calomel and Opium, of each 
Linseed meal and water enough to form a 


ball. 


Or, 


4 drachms. 
1^ drachm. 
1 scruple. 


90. Emetic Tartar . 

Compound Powder of Ti 
Linseed meal as above. Or, 


agacsath 


• 


1 J to 2 drachms. 
2 drachms. 


9L Nitre 

Camphor . • -^ 
^lix as above. 


• 
• 


• 
• 


• 


3 drachms. 
2 drachms. 


92. CooLiNO Powder for Mash— 

Nitre 
May be given in a bran mash. 


• 


• 


• 


6 drs. to 1 ounce. 


93. Cooling Drench — 

Nitre 

Sweet Spirit of Nitre 

Tincture of Digitalis 

Whey 


• 


• 


. 


1 ounce. 

2 oimccs. 

2 drachms, 
1 pint. 



LOTIONS, OR WASHES 

Consist in liquids applied tc the external parts, either to e<xk 
them or to produce a healthy action in the vessels. 



LOTIONS, OR WASHES, LTC. 177 

94. Cooling Souitton for External Inflammation- - 

Goulivrd Extract .... 1 ounce. 

ViiiL'fxar ...... 2 ounces. 

Spirits of Wine, or Gin . . .3 ounces. 

Water U pint. 

Mix, and apply with a calico bandage. 

95. ANr»TITER, USEFUL FOR TnFLAMED LeG8, OR FOR GaLLED 3llODt 

i>ERS OR Back — 

Sal Ammoniac 1 ounce. 

Vinegar 4 ounces. 

Spirits of Wine ... .2 ou.ices. 
Tincture of Arnica .... 2 drachms. 
Water ^ pint. Mix. 

96. Lotion for Foul Ulcers — 

Sulphate of Copper .... 1 ounce. 

Nitric Acid 5 ounce. 

Water 8 to 12 ounces. 

Mix. 

97. Lotion for the Eyes — 

Sulphate of Zinc • • . . 20 to 2.5 grains. 
Water 6 ounces. Mix. 

98. Very Strong One, and only to be dropped in — 

Nitrate of Silver . . . . 5 to 8 grains. 
Distilled Water .... 1 ounce. 

Mix, and use with a camel-hair brush. 



NARCOTICS. 

A DISTINCTION is somctiiiies made between anodynes and narcot- 
us, but in veterinary medicine there is no necessity lor separating 
them. (See Aucdynes.) 

REFRIGERANTS 

IwOWER THE ANIMAL HEAT by contact with the skin, the ordinary 
ones being cold air, cold water, ice, and evaporative lotions. (See 
Ij'^tions.) 

SEDATIVES 

DEPRESS THE ACTION of the circulatory and nervous systems, with- 
out afFectmg the m?ntal functions. They are very powerful in theif 
/ff^cts; and digitalis, which is the drug commonly used for this 
pi'vpose, has a special quality known by the name of cumulative- - 
tlmt is to say, if repeated small doses are given at intervals for a 
certain time, an effect is produced almost equal to that which would 
follow the exhibition of the whole quantity at once. Besides digi- 
talis, aconite is also sometimes used to lower the action of the heart, 
and by many it is supposed to be equal in potency t) that drug, 
n^chuut the danger which always attends its use. 

12 



178 THE HORSE, 

STIMULANTS. 

Bf TUTS TERM IS understood those substances which excite Ihe 
action of the whole nervous and vascular systems. Almost alJ 
medicines are stimulants to some part or other, as, for instance, 
aperients, which stimulate the lining of the bowels, but to the 
general system are lowering. On the other hand, stimulants, so 
called par excellence^ excite and raise the action of the brain and 
heart. 

99. 01(1 Ale 1 quart. 

Carbonate of Ammonia . . . J lo 2 drachms. 

Tincture of Ginger .... 4 drachms. 
Mix, and give as a drench. 

For other stimulants, see Cordials. 

STOMACHICS. 

Stomachics are medicines given to improve the tone of the 
stomach when impaired by bad management or disease. 



100. Stdmach Ball— 








J'owdcred Gentian . 


• 


• 


. h ounce. 


Powdered Ginjrer 


• 


• 


. U drachm. 


Carbonate of Soda . 


• 


• 


. 1 drachm. 


Treacle to form a ball. Or, 








101. Cascarilla, powdered 


, 


• 


• 1 ounce. 


Myrrh . 


, 


. 


\h drachm. 


Castile Soap 


. 


, 


. 1 drachm. 


Mix, with syrup or treacle, into a ball. 


Or, 






102. Towdorcil Colombo . 


, 


, 


. \ to 1 ounce. 


Powdered Cassia 


• 


, 


1 drachm. 


I'owdered Rhubarb . 


, 


, 


2 drachms. 


Mix as in No. 2. 








STYPTICS. 







Styptics are remedies which have a tendency to stop the flow 
of blood either from internal or external surfaces. They are usea 
either by the mouth, or to the part itself in the shape of lotions, 
etc. ; or the actual cautery, which is always the best in external 
bleeding, may be employed. Sometimes, however, the part cannot 
be reached with the heated iron, and is yet within the influence of 
an injectiDn. as in bleeding from the uostrils, for which tlie fol 
lowing may be employed : 

103. Matico Leaves I onnce. 

Boiling Water 1 pint. 

Infuse, and when cold strain and inject into the nostrils. 

For internal styptics, sec Astringents. 



TONICS. 179 

TONICS 

Augment the vigor of the whole body permanently, v?hile stimU' 
lants only act lor a short time. They are chiefly useful al'lei low 
fever. 

104. Tonic Ball— 

Sulphate of Iron • • • . ^ ounce. 
Extract of Camomile • • .1 ounce. 

Mix, and form into a ball. Or, 

105. Arsenic 10 grains. 

Ginger 1 drachm. 

Powdered Aniseed .... 1 ounce. 

Compound Powder of Tragacanth . 2 drachms. 

Syrup enough to form a ball. It is a very powerful tonic. 

VERMIFUGES, OR WORM MEDICINES, 
Are described under the head of Anthelmintics, which see. 



chapter: XI. 
ON soundness; and on the purchase and sale of horses. 

The elastic conscience of a horsedealer has become a 
byword; but I confess that my experience does not lead me to con- 
clude that the class is more open to charges of unfair dealing thaa 
many others whose proceedings have lately been exposed in the 
Bankruptcy and Nisi Prius law courts. Few intending purchasers 
of a horse will be content with anything less than what they believe 
to be absolute perfection in him ) and if the seller tells the truth 
about the animal he has to dispose of, his chance of a sale would be 
a poor one. The dealer is, therefore, placed in the dilemma of being 
compelled either to give his horse a character which he docs not 
deserve, or to forego all chance of a sale ; and hence it is not sur- 
prising that he draws rather extensively upon his imagination. 
According to my experience, however, amateurs are not exempt 
from this failing; and if I were compelled to purchase a horse from 
character alone, I should far prefer relying upon that given by a re- 
gpectable dealer. The latter class arc, no doubt, more skilled in 
hiding defects and disease, and therefore it requires a more prac- 
tical knowledge of the horse to detect their artifices where they ard 
>jufficiently shortsighted to adopt them. On the whole, however, it 
may generally be concluded that unless a gentleman has had an ex- 
tensive experience in purchasing horses, he will do well to pluco 
himself in the hands of a dealer, telluuj him exactly what he icants, 
and not pretending a knowledge which he does not possess. 



130 THE HORSE. 

In all large towns there are men of some character and standing 
who may be selected for this purpose; and in London, Dublin, 
Edinburgh, Birmingham, Liverpool, Cheltenham, and Leamington, 
there are repositories, where horses are sold by auction on stated 
days. These auction-marts save the vendor from all responsibility, 
whether pecuniary or moral, unless a warranty is given, either of 
soundness or freedom from vice, and then the stipulation only lasts 
fur forty-eight hours. If the horse is returned within that time, 
accompanied by a certificate of unsoundness or vice, the auctioneer 
must take liim back, and return the purchase-money, unless he is 
prepared to dispute the evidence which is forwarded to him. 
ijnder ordinary warranties there is no limitation of the time to 
which they shall extend, and a horse warranted sound may be re- 
turned at any subsccjuent time if the purchaser can prove that he 
was unsound at the time of sale. But the lapse of several weeks 
or months without doing so is generally considered to be a strong 
argument that the purchaser did not consider the animal to be un- 
sound until he gave notice to the vendor ; and this is strong pre- 
sumptive evidence that the unsoundness did not exist. 

The definition of unsoundness is, " the existence of dis- 
ease or alteration of structure which does or will impair the horse'a 
natural usefulness." Vice also may be defined, on a similar prin- 
ciple, as '• the prevalence of a habit which interferes with the 
horse's natural usefulness." But these definitions must be takeii 
with some modifications, for there is not one horse in a hundred 
which does not possess some disease or vice likely to impair hia 
general usefulness to some slight extent ; indeed, the proportion of 
strictly sound horses may be considered to be much smaller even 
than this. A bad feeder is so generally from a disordered state of 
stomach, and such a horse cannot stand work like one which will 
consume double the quantity of corn, yet he would not be consid- 
ered unsound j nor would a horse be returnable as vicious if he 
fshowed the usual symptoms of being " fresh," though they might 
impair his usefulness in carrying a timid rider. But subject to 
such modifications, the above definitions may be accepted as suf- 
ficient to make intelligible the terms, Unsoundness and Vice. 

The following diseases and accidents are generally consid- 
ered not to render their possessors unsound : — 

]3oG SPAVIN, in a slight degree only. 

A BROKEN KNEE, unless the joint is injured so as to impair its 
functions, is not considered to be unsoundness. 

Capped hocks and elbows do not produce any lameness, nor 
do they in any way interfere with the action of the joints to which 
they are adjacent. 

Contraction of the foot is no evidence of disease, and, taken 
by itself, is not sufficient to prove it to be unsound. 



ON SOUNDNESS. 181 

CRrii-BiriNG was decided, in the cases of Broenihmhuri/ v. Ifot/- 
fock and Scolcfield v Rohb^ not to be unsoundness ; but BaroD 
Parker ruled in the latter that it came within the meaning of the 
word "vice." Undoubtedly this is a habit which is generally at- 
tended by impaired digestion, and, as such, it comes strictly within 
the definition given above ; but the law is as I have stated it, 

(JuRBY HOCFLS, though experience may tell us they are likdy to 
be attended by curbs, are decided not to be unsoundness. In 
Brown V. Elkiugfon, the attention of the vendor was directed to 
the hocks by the purchaser before the sale, as likely to spring curbs ; 
but in the action on the warranty it was held by Lord Abinger that 
" a defect in the formation of the horse, which had not occasioned 
lameness at the time of sale, though it might render the animal 
more liable to be lame at some future time, was no breach of war- 
ranty;" and the Court of Exchequer confirmed this view of the 
law, by refusing a rule for a new trial. 

Cutting, on the same principle, is no breach of warranty, unless 
the hoise is lame from it at the time of sale. 

A SPLINT is not, in itself, evidence of unsoundness ; but if it is 
BO situated as necessarily to interfere with the suspensory ligament 
or tendons, or if it has already produced lameness, it is to be 
accepted as a mark of unsoundness. 

TiiOROUGiipiN, when existing to a moderate extent, is not suf- 
ficient to render the horse unsound ; but this will always be a ques- 
tion of opinion, and a horse with thoroughpin is, therefore, not to 
b3 warranted Ftth safety. 

Thrush, occurring from mismanagement only, and not from any 
defect in the horse, is clearly not to be considered as unsoundness. 

Soreness of the joints from work, as it soon goes ofi" after a 
short rest, is not accepted as unsoundness. 

WiNDGALLS are also only evidences of work, and do not usually 
cause lameness. When this coexists, it is sufficient to produce 
unsoundness, without resorting to the windgalls. 

The FOLLOWING LIST comprises the diseases and injuries which 
have been settled as sufficient to entitle the purchaser to return a 
horse warranted sound : — 

Bog spavin, when it is so severe as clearly to interfere with tlie 
action 3f the joint; and blooi> SPAVIN, as marking an aggravated 
form of the same disease. 

Breaking down, even though the horse is restored so as to run 
without lameness. 

Broken wind. 

Cataract, in any degree. 

Corns, unless very trifling; but they should be discovered within 
11 few days of the sale, or it may be alleged that they have been 
produced by subsequent mismanagement. 

30 

% 



182 THE HORSE. 

CocGH, as long as it lasts. A horse with chronic cough in 
clearly returnable. 

Curbs constitute unsoundness ; but they must be shown to exist 
at the time of purchase, for a horse may throw one out immediately 
after he is transferred to the purchaser. 

Diseases of the organic kind in any of the internal viscera. 

Farcy. 

Founder, or laminitis, whether it produces lameness or not, 
if it manifestly has existed, is to be accepted as unsoundness; for 
when there is evidence of its previous occurrence, the laminae are 
injured so much as inevitably to lead to lameness when the horse is 
put to work. 

Grease, and Glanders. 

Mange. 

Megrims, when the attack comes on subsequently to the sale, 
and can be shown to have occurred before it. 

A NERVED HORSE is uusound from the existence of the disease 
for which the operation has been performed, as well as from the 
division of the nerves. 

Ophthalmia, if it can be proved to have previously existed, 
and comes on soon after the purchase, is to be received as unsound- 
ness. So, also, when any of the evidences of its previous presence 
can be detected, and are proved by a veterinary surgeon, the horse 
is returnable. 

Ossification of any of the structures adjacent to the joints is 
unsoundness, and hence ossification of the lateral cartilages will be 
considered so, without doubt. 

Pumiced foot, as evidence of laminitis. 

QUIDDING. 
QUITOR. 

Ringbones, and Sidebones, whether large or small, are un- 
doubtedly sufficient to constitute a horse unsound. 

Roaring, whistling, &c., as evidence of contraction of the rima 
glottidis, and therefore interfering with respiration. 

Ruptures of all kinds. 

Spavin (bone), although it may not have occasioned lamcneis, 
if it is clearly the disease so named. 

String halt has been decided to be unsoundness ( TJwmpsou v, 
I'atterson). 

Thick wind, as marking some impediment to respiration. 

Thrush, when it is in one of its severe forms, and not caused 
by mismanagement. 

Thickening of the back sinews, or suspensory ligament, 
when existing to any extent easil}"^ appreciable, is to be received aa 
a proof of unsoundness. 

Returnable Vices are comprehended in the following list: — 



ON SOUNDNESS. 183 

Biting, when carried to an}^ unusual extent. 

Bolting or running away. 

Crib-biting. 

Kicking, when more than usual. 

Restiveness, or refusal to proceed in the desired direclion. 

Rearing. 

Shying, when marked. 

Weaving in the stable . 

When a horse is purchased with the conditions that he js 
warranted sound, or free from vice, or quiet to ride and drive, the 
warranty must either be in writing, or given in the presence ot a 
disinterested third person. The form of warranty is as follows, and 
it is better that it should be on the same paper as the stamped 
receipt, though this is not absolutely necessary if it is shown that 
the receipt is properly given. ^^^ 

Received of A. B. C. fifty pounds for a bay gelding, by Small- 
hopes, warranted five years old, sound, free from vice, and quiet to 
ride and drive. ^ 

50/. X.l.z.. 

Any one or more of these points may be omitted, or the horse may 
simply be warranted " a good hack," in which case he must xairly 
answer that description. The terms '' has been hunted, or " has 
carried a lady," are not to be trusted, as it is only necessary to 
prove in defence that the horse has seen hounds, and had a woman 
on his back. , . 

Whether the horse under examination is to be war- 
ranted or not, the intending purchaser should never oimt to look 
over every point where unsoundness is likely to occur, lo do tins 
effectually it should be done regularly, by which there is less chance 
of passing over any serious defect. The usual mode of proceeding 
is as follows. Under no circumstances, if it can possibly be avoided 
should the horse be looked at immediately after having been out of 
doors : and if he is of necessity brought to the purchaser, let him 
be put in the stable and quietly rested for one or two hours at the 
\east by which time the effects of most of the "coping tricks 

?^ill i.ave gone off. . u- ^%t. 

Before the horse passes the stable-door, stop him with 
Lis head just inside, and in that position carefully examine his eyes. 
The H-ht is exactly suited to this, and the sensibility of the iria 
may be well judged of Any specks or opacities are also here 
readily seen. Then let liim be led to a level surface, and then pro- 
ceed to look over every part, beginning with that nearest the one 
already inspected, namely, the mouth. Then -cough him by 
tiohtly grasping the larynx, by which some idea may be formed of 



184 THE HORSE. 

the state of his respiratory organs, after which the usual manoeuvre 
with the stick may be practised if there is no opportunity of ex- 
amining into liis freedom from roaring in the saddle. Wlien these 
points are satisfactorily disposed of, look to the position of the fore 
legs, that is, whether they are turned in or out, and if the latter 
feel the elbows, and see if they are confined or "tied," that is too 
closa to the ribs, also look for marks of cutting and speedy cutting. 
Pass the hand down the back sinews and suspensory ligampnts, ex- 
amine the knees for any marks, and then carefully feel the coronets 
and heels for any marks of exostosis or ossification. Lastly, take a 
good look at the front of the foot, and then lifting it inspect the 
frog, heels and sole. This will complete the front half of the body, 
after which the form of the middle and loins should be regarded, 
and then, lifting the tail, the openness or otherwise of the space 
round the anus will give some idea of the strength of constitution, 
while the resistance afforded by the dock will be a sign of the mus- 
cular strength of the back. Then look carefully at the hocks, ex- 
amine the spavin and curb places, and finish the whole by passing 
the hand down the hind cannon bones to the fetlocks, and feel 
them in the same order as in the fore legs. Now let the horse rest 
a minute if his groom will let him, with his head quite at liberty, 
and you will be able to judge of his ordinary habit of standing, 
when uiiexcited. At the conclusion of this careful examination 
while at rest, the action must be as minutely investigated, by first 
having the horse walked ivith a loo^e reiii^ and then trotted in the 
game way slowly, when if he is sound he will put his feet down 
regularly and firmly. Grooms, when they want to conceal defects, 
will not let the head be loose, nor will they trot slowly, but bustle 
the horse along with their hands as close as possible to the mouth, 
BO as to prevent any nodding of the head as much as they can. A 
very good judge will be perhaps able to select a pleasant pack or 
harness horse by seeing him thus run, and afterwards ridden, but a 
far better test is to ride or drive him yourself, when his freedom 
from vice, or disease, may be ascertained, as well as his manners, 
and the ease of his various paces. No trouble should be spared to 
get this real trial, which is worth ten per cent, on the purchase- 
money, for many a horse which looks to go well does wot feel so, and 
it is well worth that sum to be saved the trouble attending uj)on the 
possession of a horse which does not su t. When, however, after 
Buch a careful examination by a competent judge, and subsequent 
trial in the saddle or in harness, the horse is ibuT/d to be really 
"likely to answer all the purposes for which he is wanted, a few 
|:f;uiids should never prevent his being obtained. 



GLOSSARY. 



By Robert Chawner and J. H. Walsh. 



Abnormal. Unnatural, irregular, unhealthy. 

Abrasion. Removal of a portion of skin, by violence or ulceration. 

Acclimatize. To inure to a new climate. 

AciNESiA. Loss of muscular power. 

Acne. A pustular disease of the slvin, involving the sebaceous 
follicles. 

Acute. Active, recent, of brief duration. 

Adenoid. Glandular, or gland-like. 

Adipose. Fatty. 

Adynamic. Prostrate: without power. 

Afflux. Flow toward a part. 

Albuminuria. The presence of albumen in the urine. 

Algid. Cold. 

Amaurosis. Partial or total blindness from an affection of the 
retina, optic nerve, or brain ; /. c, nervous blindness. 

Amblyopia. Dim, or obscure vision. 

Amenorrhea. Absence or arrest of menstruation. 

Amorphous. Shapeless; without definite form. 

Amphoric. Pitcher-like, or decanter-like. Applied to sounds 
heard by auscultation or on percussion. 

Amyloid. Resembling starch. 

Anemia. Deficiency of red blood. 

Anesthesia. Absence or loss of sensation and perception. 

Analeptic. Invigorating, restorative. 

Anasarca. General dropsy of the areolar tissue. 

Aneurism. Morbid dilatation of an artery, with or without rup- 
ture of its coats. 

Anfractuous. Having an irregular, grooved, or broken surface; 
applied to a cavity in the lung. 

Angina. A choking or suffocating disease. 

Anodyne. Tending to relieve pain. 

Anorexia. Loss of appetite. 

Anthelmintic. Destructive of, or tending to cause the removal 
of, worms. 

Anti-arthritic. Curative of gout. 

Anti-lithic. Solvent of stone or gravel. 

185 



186 GLOSSARY, 

Anti-phlogistic. Tending to arrest or mitigate inflammation. 

Anti-psoric. Cnrative of itcli. • 

Anti-toxic. Antidotal to poison. 

Apex. Tlie uppermost point. 

Aphonia. Loss of voice. 

Aphthe. Small whitish ulcers, originating in vesicles ; frequently 
found in the mouth. 

Aplastic. Inorganizable. 

Apnea. Arrest of respiration. 

Applicata. Things applied to, or brought into contact with, the 
exterior of the body. 

Apyrexia. Intermission. 

Arachnitis. Inflammation of the arachnoid membrane. 

Arthritis. Gout. 

AscAiUDES. Round worms. 

Ascites. Peritoneal dropsy. 

Asphyxia. Suspension of breathing, or of the aeration or circu- 
lation of the blood. 

Asthenia. Debility. 

Asthenic. Without strength : feeble ; attended by prostration. 

Ataxic. Irregular ; out of order. 

Atelectasis Pulmonltm. Imperfect expansion of the lungs. 

Atheroma. A pulp-like or pap-like formation or degeneration. 

Atony. Loss of tone. 

Atrophy. Absence or defect of nutrition. 

B 

Balancive. Promotive or restorative of balance, proportion, har- 
mony. 

Biology. The science of life, and of the functions of living beings. 

Blastema. Material out of which tissue is or may be organized. 

Bleb. See Bulla. 

BoRBORYGMUs. Iiitcstinal gurgling. 

Bright's Disease. Fatty or other degeneration of the kidney. 

Bronchophony. Resonance of the voice, in the lung, like that 
normally heard in the hronrhial region. 

Bronchorrhea. Excessive discharge of mucus from the bronchial 
tubes. 

Bulimia, Boulimia. Excessive appetite. 

Bulla. A blister ; i. e., an elevation of the cuticle, containing 
serum. 



Cachexia. A depraved or diseased habit of system. 
Cadaveric. Belonging to the dead body. 
Calcareous. Containing or resembling chalk or lime. 
Calculus. Stone. 
Calvaria. The cranium. 
Carcinoma, Cancer, 
Cardialgia. Heart-burn, 

Catalepsy. A nervous affection, characterized by paroxysmal 
rigidity of the muscles. 



GLOSSARY. 187 

Catarrh. An affection of a mucous membrane, characterized by 

increased secretion. 
Cavernous. Connected with or indicative of a cavity. 
Cerebritis. Inflammation of tlie brain. 
Chalybeate. Containing iron. 

Chloasma. Liver spot ; a yellow discoloration of the skin. 
Cholagogue. Tending to increase the flow of bile. 
Chondroma. A cartilaginous tumor. 
Chorea. St. Vitus' dance. 
Chronic. Protracted ; continuing, without much change, for a 

considerable period. 
CiNCHONiSM. The production of characteristic effects of Peruvian 

bark, or of its alkaloids, upon the system. 
CiRCUMFusA. Things surrounding the body ; e. g., air, light, 

moisture, etc. 
Cirrhosis. Waxy degeneration of the liver. 
Clavus. A corn. 

Clonic. Successive, interrupted, alternating. 
Colica Pictonum. Lead colic. 
Colliquative. Copious, exhaustive. 
Colloid. Jelly-like. 

Coma. Completely unconscious stupor. 
Congenital. Existing at the time of birth. 
Congestion. Accumulation of blood. 

Consonance. Repetition or reduplication of sound, by the sonor- 
ous vibration of a body upon which it impringes. 
Contactive. Contagious. 

Contagious. Conveyed by touch or actual contact. 
Contra-indicate. To prohibit. 
Contro-stimulant. Sedative. 
CoRNEiTis. Inflammation of the cornea. 
CoRYZA. A cold in the head. 

Cosmic. Belonging to the universal system or order of nature. 
Coup de soleil. Sun-stroke. 
CoxALGiA. Disease of the hip-joint. 
Crepitant. Crackling ; applied technically to the fine crackling 

heard on auscultation in pneumonia. 
Cretify. To convert into a chalky substance. 
Cutaneous. Pertaining to the skin. 
Cyanosis. Blueness, from imperfect circulation or aeration of 

the blood. 
Cynanche. Angina. 
Cyst. A sac, cell, or bag, formed of membrane, and containing 

more or less fluid. 
Cystitis. Inflammation of the urinary bladder. 



Decubttis. The manner of lying down. 
Decussation. Crossing X-like from side to side. 
Depletion. Abstraction of blood or other material from the 
system. 



188 GLOSSARY. 

Dermatophyte. A vegetation upon the skin. 

Desideratum. Something desired or required ; an important 

object. 
Desquamate. To scale or peel off. 

Detritus. Refuse ; the result of wearing or breaking down. 
Diabetes. Excessive urination. 
Diabetes mellitus. Excessive discharge of urine containing 

sugar. 
Diagnosis. The discrimination of diseases ; the determination 

of the nature of an attack, or of the condition of the organs 

in a given case. 
Diaphoretic. Productive of perspiration. 
Diastole. Dilatation. 

Diathesis. A constitutional tendency, peculiarity or habit. 
DiCROious. Doubie-beating. 
Diphtheria. Membranous sore throat. 
Diphtheritic. Pseudo-membranous. 
Diuretic. Productive of increased flow of urine. 
Drastic. Active, powerful 
Dynamic Relating to poirer or force. 
Dynamize. To imbue with force or power. 
Dyscrasia. a morbid state of the blood or of nutrition. 
Dysmenorrhea. Difficult or painful menstruation. 
Dysphagia. Difliculty of swallowing. 
Dyspnea. Difficult respiration. 
Dysuria. Difficult urination. 

B 

Ecchymosis. Effusion of blood under the skin. 

Eclampsia. Convulsion. 

Ecthyma. A disease of the skin, characterized by large pustles. 

EcTROTic. Abortive ; productive of abortion. 

Eczema. A vesicular eruptive disease. 

Effete. Worn out ; dead. 

Elephantiasis Arabum. An enlargement of the limbs, scrotum, 

neck, etc. 
Elephantiasis Grecorum. A severe cutaneous affection, with 

purple tumors, etc. 
Eliminate. To remove or drive out from the system. 
Embolic. Obstructive ; applied to a clot thrown as a plug into 

an arterial trunk. 
Emphysema. Distention of a cellular tissue with air. 
Empirical. The result of observation only ; as contrasted with 

rational or deductive. 
Emprosthotonos. Arching of the body forward. 
Empyema. A collection of pus in the pleural cavity. 
Emulsify. To suspend or diffuse an insoluble substance in water 

by means of mucilage. 
Encephaloid. Brain-like. 

Encephalon. The brain ; i. e., the whole contents of the cranium. 
Endemic. Local ; confined to certain localities. 



GLOSSARY. ] 89 

Endermtc. Within or under tlie skin. 

Endocarditis. Inflammation of tbe lining membrane of the heart. 

Endosmose. The spontaneous interchange of fluids through or- 
ganic membrane. 

Enteritis. Inflammation of the bowels. 

Entozoon. a worm, or other parasite, within an animal body. 

Enuresis. Incontinence of urine. 

Ephelis, Ephelides. Sun-burn. 

Ephemeral. Continuing for a day. 

Epigastric. Over the stomach. 

Epilepsy. A disease characterized by recurring convulsions, dur- 
ing which the patient is unconscious. 

Epiphyte. A vegetable parasite. 

Epistaxis. Bleeding from the nose. 

Epithelioma. An epithelial tumor. 

p]piTHELiuM. A thin, superficial layer of cells upon a basement 
membrane. 

Epizootic. Affecting animals over an unlimited region. Not lim- 
ited to any locality. 

Epizoon. A parasitic animal or animalcule. 

Equinia. Glanders ; a malignant disease of the horse, some- 
times conveyed to men. 

Eremacausis. Decay, or slow combustion. 

Erosion. Corrosion; destruction of tissue by chemical agency. 

Eructation. Belching of wind. 

Erythema. A florid inflammation of the skin; classed with the 
exanthemata. 

Etiology. The study of the causation of disease. 

Exacerbation. An increase of the symptoms ; e. g., of fever ; a 
febrile paroxysm. 

Exanthem. a rash, or florid eruption. 

Exanthemata. A class of diseases in which, with fever there is 
an eruption characteristic of each. 

ExciTO-MOTOR. Reflex; relating to the production of movement 
in muscles by impressions transmitted through nerves and 
nerve-centres. 

ExciTO-SECRETORY. Reflox excitcment of secretory organs by dis- 
tant impressions, transmitted through the nerves. 

Excreta. Matters thrown out as waste from the body. 

Exfoliate. To fall or throw off, like leaves from a tree. 

p]xosMosTS. See Endosmosis, 

Extravasate. To throw blood out from the vessels. 

Exudation. The throwing out of lymph from the vessels during 
a morbid process. Also, the lymph Itself which is thrown 
out. 

F 

Flocculent, Resembling locks of wool. 

Fomites. Things supposed to retain and convey contagion or 

infection ; as clothing, merchandise, etc. 
Fuscedo. Yellow staining of the skin in patches or blotches. 



190 GLOSSARY. 



Gangrene, Mortification. 

Gastralgia. Pain in the stomach. 

Gastritis. Inflammation of the stomach. 

Gastrodynia. Stomach-ache. 

Gastro-hepatic. Affecting both the stomach and the liver. 

Gesta. Things done; actions: labors. 

Glossitis. Inflammation of the tongue. 

Glucohemia, Glycohemia. Excess of sugar in the blood. 

Glucosuria, Glycosuria. The presence of sugar in the urine. 

Goitre. Bronchocele ; enlargement of the thyroid gland. 

H 

Habitat. The locality in which a plant or other living thing 
grows or abounds. 

Hematemesis. Vomiting of blood. 

Hematosis. Bloood formation ; blood development. 

Hematuria. Voiding of bloody urine. 

Hemicrania. Pain in one half of the head. 

Hemiplegia. Paralysis of the arm and leg, etc., of one side. 

Hemorrhoids. Piles. 

Hepatitis. Inflammation of the liver. 

Hepatization. Conversion into a liver-like structure. 

Herpes. Tetter : a vesicular eruption. 

Heterologous. Different from anything natural to the body. 

Homologous. Parallel to or resembling things natural to the 
body. In physioJogy this word has a more extended mean- 
ing. 

Hydatid. A vesicular formation, generally considered to be an 
animal parasite, found in various organs, causing their dis- 
tention into cysts or tumors. 

Hydremia. A watery condition of the blood. 

Hydragogue. Causing watery discharges. 

Hydraulics. The mechanics of liquids ; investigating especially 
the force and phenomena of liquid pressure and movement. 

Hydrocephalus. Dropsy of the head. 

Hydro-pneumothorax. The presence of water and air together 
in the cavity of the pleura. 

Hydrothorax. Water in the chest : thoracic dropsy. 

Hygiene. The science of health. 

Hy^grometry. The measurement of the amount of moisture in 
the air. 

Hyperemesthesia. Excess of blood in a part, with irritability ; 
commonly called chronic inflammation. 

Hyperemia. Excess of blood in a part. 

Hyperesthesia. Over-sensitiveness. 

Hyperinosis. Excess of flzrin. 

Hypertrophy. Over-growth. 
Hypnotic. Promotive of sleep. 



GLOSSARY. 191 

IIypochondrtac. In anatonuj, the region over the liver, and the 
corresponding region on the left side. In medicine, a per- 
son affected with depression of spirits from dyspeptic dis- 
ease. 

Hypochondriasis. Dyspepsia with lowness of spirits and imag- 
inary complaints. 

Hypogastric. Below the stomach. 

Hypostatic. The result of settling or gravitative deposition. 



IcHOREMiA. Contamination of the blood; pyaemia. 

Icterus. Jaundice. 

IcTHYOSis. Fish-skin disease. 

Idiopathic. Primary ; independent. 

Idiosyncrasy. Individual peculiarity of system. 

Ileus. Iliac passion. The most violent form of colic. 

Impetigo. A pustular eruption. 

Incubation. Development ; maturation ; the period between the 
introduction of a morbid cause and the appearance of the 
resulting disease. 

Indication. The pointing of the signs of disease to the proper 
mode of treatment. 

Induration. Hardening. 

Infection. As frequently used, synonymous with contagion. 

Ingestive. That which is introduced into the body by the ali- 
mentary canal. 

Innervation. Supply of nervous influence. 

Insomnia. Sleeplessness. 

Internuncial. Communicating; transferring mutual impressions 
or excitations. 

Interscapular. Between the scapuljp. 

Intussusceptio. Convolvulus ; the reception of one portion of in- 
testine into another. 

Iritis. Inflammation of the iris. 

Ischuria. Difficult urination. 

K 

Kakotrophy. Perverted nutrition. 



Lancinating. Lancing, piercing, darting. 

Laryngitis. Inflammation of the larynx. 

Latent. Concealed. 

Lepra. A scaly cutaneous disease. 

Lesion. Injury ; essential change. 

Leucocythemia. Excess of colorless or white corpuscles in the 

blood. 
Lichen. A papular disease of the skin. 



1 



192 GLOSSARY. ~^ ~ 

LiENTERY. Passage of undigested food through the bowels, ^ 

Lipoma. A fatty tumor. 

LiTHiAsis. The formation of stone or gravel. 

Lochia. The sero-sanguineous discharge following delivery. 

Lumbago. Rheumatism of the lumbar region. 

LuMBRicus. A long, round worm. 

Lupus. A malignant affection of the skin, either tuberculous or _ 

ulcerative. ■ 

Lymph, The fluid portion of the blood, without the corpuscles ; " 

the fluid of the lymphatic vessels; also, the fluid exuded 

during inflammation. 

M 

Macula. A spot or stain. 

Malaria. Bad or poisonous air. 

Mania, Derangement, either intellectual or emotional, or both. 

Marasmus. Wasting away. 

Matrix, A formative or receptive structure or cavity. 

Melanosis. Morbid deposit of, or conversion of tissue into, black 

pigment. 
Meningitis. Inflammation of the membranes of the brain. 
Menorrhagia. Excessive flow of the menses. 
Metamorphosis, Transformation. 
Metastasis. The transfer of a disease or symptom from one part 

to another, 
Meteorism. Distention of the alimentary canal with gas. 
Miasm. Marsh poison ; the local cause of endemic country fevers. 
Microphyte. A microscopic vegetation. 
Miliary. A microscopic animalculae. 
Miliary. Resembling millet seed. 

Modus operandi. The manner of action or operation. 
Molecule. The minutest particle into which matter can be 

divided. 
MoLLUscoM. An uncommon tubercular disease of the skin. 
Multiform. Having many shapes. 

Myalgia. Pain (or soreness, tenderness) in one or more muscles. 
jMyelitis. Inflammation of the spinal cord. 
^Myeloid. Resembling the spinal marrow. 

Myocarditis. Inflammation of the muscular tissue of the heart. 
Myopia. Near-sightedness. 

N ■ 
Nebulous. Cloudy. 
Nephralgia. Pain in the kidney. 
Nephritis. Inflammation of the kidney. 
Nervine. Affecting the nervous system. 

Neuralgia. Pain, the seat of which is principally in the nerves. 
Neuroma. A morbid enlargement of a nerve. 
Neurosis. A nervous affection. 
Nisus. Effort ; attempt ; active process. 
Normal. Natural ; regular, healthy. 



GLOSSARY. 193 

NosoGRAPHY. The description of diseases. 
Nosology. The classification of diseases. 

NosopHYTE. A vegetation connected with, or causative of disease. 
Nucleolus. A central grannie or spot within a nucleus. 
Nucleus. The central body within a cell ; being itself, frequently, 
hollow. 

O 

OcHLESis. Crowd poison. 

OcTOHEDRAL, Eight-sidcd. 

Odontalgia. Toothache, 

Edema. Swelling, from watery effusion in the cellular tissue. 

Ophthalmia. Inflammation of the eye. 

Opisthotonos. Arching of the body backwards. 

Optimism. Tendency to the hrst possible result. 

Organography. Delineation of the organs in their position. 

Osteosarcoma. Cancerous tumor of bone. 

Otalgia. Earache. 

Otitis. Inflammation of the ear. 

Otorrhea. Discharge from the ear. 

OxALURiA. Presence of oxalic acid (as oxalate of lime) in the 

urine. 
Ozone. Oxygen in the nascent state, or with its chemical activity 

otherwise iuteDsified (dynamized). 



Palpation. Examination (of the chest, etc.) by the touch. 

Papula. A pimple. 

Paracentesis. Tapping. 

Paralysis. Loss of power or of sensibility ; palsy. 

Paraplegia. Paralysis of the lower half of the body. 

Parenchyma. A glandular or other organic structure, formed 
chiefly of aggregated cells. 

Parotitis. Infl^^mmation of the parotid gland. 

Pathognomonic. Positively distinctive or characteristic of a cer- 
tain disease. 

Pathology. The study of the seat, nature, and essential charac- 
ters and laws of disease. 

Pellicular. JNIembranous. 

Pemphigus. A bullar eruption upon the skin. 

Percepta. Things perceived; impressions upon the senses and 
brain. 

Pericarditis. Inflammation of the pericardium. 

Peripheral. Connected with the surface or exterior. 

Peritonitis. Inflammation of the peritoneum. 

Perturbation. Disturbance by an exterior or extrinsic cause. 

Petechle. Small purple spots in or under the skin. 

Phlebitis. Inflammation of a vein. 

Phlegmasia. An inflammatory disease. 

Phlogosis. Ijiiflammation. 
13 



194 GLOSSARY. 

Photophobia. Dread of light. 

Photopsia. Flashing of light before the eyes. 

Phrenitis. Inflammation of the brain. 

Phthisis. Wasting. Phthisis pulmonalis, pulmonary consump- 
tion. 

Pica. Depraved appetite. 

Pityriasis. A disease of the skin, accompanied by the exfoliation 
of minute scales. 

Plasma. Organizable fluid ; liquor sanguinis. 

Plethora. Redundance of red blood. 

Pleuritis. Pleurisy ; inflammation of the pleura. 

Pleurodynia. Neuralgic pain in the region of the pleura. 

I'leuro-pneumonia. Inflammation involving both the lung and 
pleura. 

Pleximeter. An instrument for mediate percussion; a stroke- 
measure. 

Pneumonia, Inflammation of the lung. 

Pneumothorax. Accumulation of air in the cavity of the pleura. 

Polydipsia. Excessive thirst. 

PoLYSARCiA. Obesity. 

Pompholyx. a variety of pemphigus. 

PoRRiGO. A parasitic disease of the skin. 

Post-organic. Following organization ; effete ; having been organ- 
ized, but no longer capable of vitalization. 

Precordial. Over or surrounding the heart. 

Premonitory. Warning; threatening. 

Prodromata. Forerunning signs or symptoms. 

Prognosis. Foreknowledge. 

Prophylactic Preventive. 

Prurigo. An affection of the skin, characterized by great itching, 
with little or no rash. 

Pruritus. Itching. 

Pseudo-membrane. False membrane; i. e.. morbid or misplaced 
coagulation or organization of lymph. 

Psora. Itch. 

Psoriasis. A scaly disease of the skin. 

Ptyalism. Salivation. 

Purpura. A hemorrhagic affection of the skin. 

Pyemia. The presence or formation of pus in the blood. 

Pyelitis. Inflammation of the pelvis of the kidney. 

Pyrexia. Fever. 

Quininize. Too place under the influence of quinine. 



R 



Rabies canina. Hydrophobia. 

Rale. A rattling sound. 

Ramule. a small branch. 

Rationale. Explanation of a process or occurrence. 



GLOSSARY. 19-5 

Recuperative. Restorative ; invigorating. 

Reflex. Reflected ; occurring under tlie influence of a transmitted 
excitation, as contrasted witli a direct stimulus. 

Regurgitant. Flowing or escaping backward. 

Renal. Belonging to or affecting the kidney. 

Remittent. Having remissions ; i. e., periods of diminution of 
the symptoms (e. g., of fever) without their total subsidence. 

Resorption. Reabsorption. 

Resume. Summary ; recapitulation. 

Retinitis. Inflammation of the retina. 

Revulsion. Derivation. 

Rhonchus. a rattling or roaring, or other abnormal sound, con- 
nected with respiration. 

Rubeola. Morbilli ; measles. 

Rupia. a bullar and scabbing disease of the skin. 



Saccharine. Of the nature of sugar. 

Salivation. Excessive flow of saliva ; usually with soreness of 
the gums, coppery taste, etc. 

Sanitary. Pertaining to the preservation of health. 

Sarcina. a microscopic vegetation, growing in square or wool- 
sack-like forms. 

Sarcoma. A fleshy tumor. 

Scabies. Itch. 

ScHiRRus. Hard cancer. 

Sciatica. Neuralgia of the sciatic nerve. 

Sclerotitis. Inflammation of the sclerotic coat of the eye. 

Scorbutus. Scurvy. 

Semeiology. The study of the signs and symptoms of disease. 

Sensori-motor. Relating to movements which are connected with 
sensations. 

Sensorium. An aggregate term, including those portions of the 
brain which are the centres of sensation and perception. 

Sentient. Endowed with sensation. 

Septic. Putrefactive or decaying. 

Serum. The fluid portion of blood after coagulation, or after 
the removal of its fibrin ; also, the liquid transuding u])on 
serous membranes ; the liquid of certain dropsical effu- 
sions, etc. 

Sibilant. Hissing. 

Soporific. Promotive of sleep. 

Spanemia. Hydriemia ; poverty of blood. 

Spermatozoa. Microscopic bodies found in the generative fluid of 
the male. 

Sphacelus. Sloughing. 

Spirometry. The measurement of breathing power by the quan- 
tity of air exhaled after a forced inspiration. 

Sporadic. Separate, independent, occasional ; not endemic or 
epidemic or contagious. 

?^QUAMA. A scale. 



196 GLOSSARY. 

Stasis. Stagnation ; arrest of movement. 

Steatomatous. Fatty ; consisting principally of fat. 

Stercoraceous. Fjecal. 

Stertorus. Loud and snoring. 

Stethometer. a chest measurer. 

Stethoscope. A tube used for mediate ausculation. 

Sthenic. Possessed of or attended by vigor and activity. 

Stomatitis. Inflammation of the mouth. 

Strangury. Dysuria, ischuria. 

SuBCBEPiTANT. Crackling, but not typically identical with the 

crepitant rale; being a coarser sound. 
Subjective. Originating in the mind, brain, or other part of the 

individual ; as contrasted with ohjective, i. e., of external 

origin. 
Subsultus Tendinum. Jerking of the tendons ; e. g., of the wrist 

in low fever. 
SuccussioN. Sudden shaking. 
SuDAMiNA. Minute transparent vesicles, often seen over the 

breast or abdomen in low fevers. 
Sudorific. Promotive of perspiration. 
SuGGiLLATioN. Collection of blood in spots under the skin of the 

dead body. 
Suppuration. The formation of pus. 
Sycosis. Mentagra. 

Syncope. Fainting ; suspended animation. 
Synovia. The lubricating fluid of the joints. 
Synurgic. Co-operative ; working together. 
Systole. The act of contraction of the heart and arteries ; usually 

applied to the contraction of the ventricles. 



Tabes. Wasting; atrophy. 

Tenia. Tape-worm. 

Tegument. Covering; skin. 

Tenesmus. Straining ; bearing down. 

Tentative. Experimental. 

Tetanus. A disease characterized by muscular rigidity. 

Therapeutic Sanative ; medicinal ; restorative ; promotive of 

the cure of disease. 
Tinea. Porrigo ; a disease of the skin. Tinea eapith, contagious 

ring- worm. 
Tonic. In physiology and pathology, as applied to the muscles, 

tonic contraction means fixed rigidity. In materia mediea 

and therapeutics, a tonic is a strengthening medicine or 

agency. 
Tormina. Griping pains. 
Torula. A minute vegetation, found (Torula cerevisise) in 

fermenting liquids. 
Toxemia. Blood-poisoning. 
Toxic. Poisonous. 
Tracheitis. Inflammation of tlie trachea. 



GLOSSARY. 197 

Transudation. Passage of fluid through the walls of vessels. 

TrauiMatic. Resulting from a wound or injury. 

Trichoma. Plica polonica. 

Trim us. Lock-jaw. 

Tuberculization. The deposition of tubercle. 

Tuberculosis. The development of the tubercular diathesis. 

Tumefaction. Swelling. 

TuRGESENCE. Disteusiou with fluid, usually with blood. 

Tussive. Connected with cough. 

Tympanites. Distention of the abdomen with air. 

Typical. Representative ; characteristic. 

Typhoid. Resembling, and yet not identical with, typhus. 

Typhus. A form of low continued fever. 

U 

Uremia. The presence in the blood of the constituents of urine 
from inaction of the kidneys. 

Urina cibi vel Chyli. Urine of food or chyle ; /. e. that passed 
after a full meal. ^ . 

Urina Sanguinas. Urine of the blood: /. e. that passed in the 
morning after sleep. 

Urinometer. An instrument used to estimate the specific grav- 
ity of urine : bv the distance to which it sinks in the latter, 
as compared with that to which it will sink in water. 



Vaccinia. Cow-pox: vaccination. 

Varicose. Dilated: enlarged. 

Variola. Small-pox. 

Varioloid. Mild or modified small-poox. 

Vascular. Well supplied with blood-vessels. 

Venesection. Blood-letting from a vein. 

Verruca. A wart. 

Vesical. Pertaining to the bladder. 

Vesication. The production of a blister. 

Vesicle. A small blister. 

Vesicular. Composed of, or resembling, vesicles or small cells. 

Vibices Large spots o^ effused blood under the skin. 

Vibrio. A minute animalcule, rarely found in animal tissues or 

cavities. 
Vicarious. Substitutive. 
Vitiligo. Partial discoloration of the skin. 
Volvulus. In'iussusception. 



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